Why did we move to the RF system?

Apart from being the technology adapted by most of the Universities nowadays, RF technology provides three main advantages:

• simple installation with a single USB wireless receiver,
• all votes logged, no line of sight issues or issues with interference or bottlenecks
• and a confirmation for students that their response has been received.

 

Especially the single USB wireless receiver will benefit lecturers, who want to be able to run a clicker session from their individual laptops with any number of students using just one individual receiver. The RF technology should also help in raising the response rate by students voting in lectures.

Crickets and Response – what’s new?

Interwrite has released a new software called Response. Crickets in combination with Response allow for a number of new and enhanced features:

 

Response software:

 

• When running in standalone / impromptu mode, simple start of session by clicking on “Collect Responses”.

• Multiple choice (max 6 answers) and true/false question types. Lecturers could potentially ask questions with 8 answers by using 0-6 and T/F (the buttons on the clicker handset).

• No need to create a class anymore (when running system with PowerPoint). There is a default class set up. However, by default all possible handsets are selected in this class and you need to deselect the IR and the PRS RF handset, leaving only the Cricket handset. For more info on how to change class settings see FAQ

• Instead of writing data into textfiles, Response is database driven.

• Possibility of slicing data and comparing results of different questions.

• Possibility of selecting more than one correct answer.

• Possibility of adding questions in PowerPoint without leaving the session (be careful with templates).

• Response will automatically store all student responses, even if students are re-voting on question.

• Enhanced chart and graphical clarity.

 

Crickets / RF technology:

 

• Students receive feedback whether their vote was received (although they also receive feedback if their vote was invalid). No need for a response grid. Possibility for formative / summative assessment using clickers.
• Only one receiver necessary per lecture theatre (one receiver can support up to 2000 clickers). Possibility for lecturers to use their own laptop with receiver to run clicker sessions.

   

What does the move to RF mean for me as a lecturer?

Since we are using the same product supplier (Interwrite) as before, lecturers, who have used the IR technology will be familiar with the software. Interwrite has released a new software version, Response, which will be installed on the lecture theatre machines over the summer. Response has a slightly different user interface than previous software versions, but the main functionalities remain the same (e.g. creating questions in PowerPoint, running standalone – impromptu - sessions, collecting votes, setting up a class or reviewing sessions).

 

Most importantly, the software is backward-compatible, so presentations that have been developed with an older software versions will work without adaptation with the new software (although a run-through before the lecture to ensure the presentation is working is advisable).

 

There are differences when using RF technology, mainly the need for students to register to an RF channel at the start of the session. Instructions on how to register to a channel can be found here

 

We have also created short guides on:

• Getting starting with Crickets and Response - powerpoint
• Getting starting with Crickets and Response - standalone

Do I need to install new software? Where do I get the new software?

You can still work with an older version of the software, create your presentations there and then use the current version on the lecture theatre machines. However, to be best prepared, we advice you to install the new software on your personal machine or laptop to familiarise yourself with the interface. Especially, if you are preparing questions in PowerPoint, we would strongly recommend you install the Response software.

 

The software is available here (Response) email  daniela.gachago@ed.ac.uk. Instructions on how to install the software and the hardware are to be found here (you will need admin rights on your computer for the installation of the software and the drivers for the receivers). If you want to borrow a mobile clicker kit to practice in your office, please contact us to jon.jack@ed.ac.uk.

Where can I get training and support?

Information and training material is available on this site (e.g. FAQs and on the IS eLearning site.

 

We are also offering training sessions on how to use the new RF technology from Mid August until Mid September 2008. Information on these training sessions can be found here. Training sessions can also be booked through MyEd.

 

You can also contact us.to schedule a one-to-one meeting if the current training schedule does not fit your needs.

Who do I contact if I want to book clickers for my students?

We are liaising with Schools’ Teaching Offices and Directors of Teaching to assess the need for clickers for the coming Academic Year. Please let your TO or DOT know, that you are planning to use clickers and the estimated number of clickers needed. You can also contact Sarah Gormley directly, who is responsible for the ordering and distribution of clickers.

In which lecture theatres can I use clickers?

Currently the following centrally bookable lecture theatres are equipped with permanent receivers:

 

• Swann Lecture Theatre

• Appleton Tower Lecture Theatres 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and the Teaching Studio

• JCMB LTA, LTB, LTC

• JCMB Teaching Studio

• Joseph Black T100 and T250

• Sanderson Lecture Theatre

• Hudson Beare Lecture Theatre

• Grant Lecture Theatre

• George Square Lecture Theatre

 

If you are teaching in a room, which has no permanent receiver installed, you can borrow a receiver from us (we have a pool of app. 8 receivers), ask your School to purchase some receivers or purchase your own receiver (cost per receiver: app. £100).

Where do students get their clickers from?

Clickers are part of the library database and are either issued through a library service desk (e.g. in the Darwin library for CSE or the Main Library) or through your teaching organisations. Contact your TO to find out what happens in your School or contact Sarah Gormley . Students borrow clickers for the course on one semester. If they need their clicker for Semester 2 as well, they can extend their loan until May 2009. In case of loss, they will be charged a fine of £25.

Where can I get more information on other people’s experiences with clickers?

We are in the process of collecting resources on good clickers use and will disseminate this information through our site soon. We have also conducted a study on staff perceptions of clickers in 2007/2008. The report can be found here .

 

Interwrite has collected case studies (mostly from the States) on the use of Interwrite products: http://www.interwritelearning.com/resources/share.html

 

We have a few resources on the our website under Clicker Resources