Clickers
Interwrite PRS software (Now owned by eInstruction) is used to create interactive lessons which allow faculty to ask questions and receive instant feedback from their students in eClassrooms via "clicker" technology. This softwware is available in all classrooms and is available for free download to faculty computers. ITS standardized on this software so that students would not have to buy different devices over the course of their academic career.
Student polling devices (commonly called “clickers”) are hand-held devices that allow students to send information to the instructor’s computer. This information can then be displayed as a histogram. Radio frequency clickers allow students to respond to alpha or numeric multiple choice, true/false, numeric, and single word response questions. Responses are anonymous to the class, but not to the instructor, thus providing an environment that encourages student participation. Responses can be easily graded and students can even take self-paced multi-question exams. When they are done with the exam their answers can be sent to the instructor’s computer for easy grading. Students can even do out-of-class assignments and send the results during the next class session.
Large and small classes can successfully use this software. Some data manipulation may be required if responses are collected and used for attendance or grading purposes.
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Information for '11 -12 Academic Year
In summer 2011 the eInstruction Interwrite Response Software will be upgraded to Interwrite Response (Version 6.70 for Windows and 6.59 for Mac) in all the eClassrooms. Instructors who plan on using clickers are encouraged to download the new version to their computer. Powerpoint presentations created with the old version of the PRS Powerpoint plugin will work with the new software. Users who have used Interwrite PRS v.4.42 will have to completely uninstall that product before reinstalling the new version.
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Pre-Class Preparation
ITS highly recommends that faculty members become familiar with this technology in well in advance of the lesson or semester in which the technology will be used. Basic instruction on the multiple features of the eInstruction PRS system. can be found on Interwrite's website. Reading/watching the tutorials is a good way to start learning the process of using the software. Also, in order to organize the classroom, faculty must notify the bookstore that students will need to purchase a “clicker” as well as the text book for the class.
ITS recommends that:
- Faculty determine in advance whether this technology will be incorporated into the curriculum
- Faculty notify the Bookstore
- ITS and the Bookstore work together to ensure the hardware is available in the eClassroom
- Faculty familiarize themselves with the software either through reviewing the documentation or participating in one-on-one consulting session with ITS
- Faculty test the presentation in the appropriate classroom in advance of the class
Clicker Purchase
Students are then notified of the requirement at the time of book purchase. If a student has already purchased a clicker for a different class, it will not be necessary to purchase another device. The Bookstore will buy-back clickers if there is a known need for the following semester. If there is not a known need students can try again later or keep the clicker and possibly use it in another course in the future.
Problem with Office 2008 on Macs Running Leopard Operating System
Office 2008 for Macintosh running on the Leopard operating system (OS) is not compatible with Interwrite PRS PowerPoint Plugin. eClassrooms run both the Tiger and Leopard OS. Determine what OS is on the eclassroom computer prior to class and, if it is running Leopard, consider using the Windows computer to operate the PRS software.
