Classroom Technologies
Effective Fall 2009, UT Knoxville’s standardized clicker technology vendor changed from eInstruction to Turning Technologies. During Spring 2009, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) conducted a clicker technology pilot study with Turning Technologies. Eight of the nine faculty participants, representing various disciplines, overwhelmingly recommended the switch to Turning Technologies. Throughout the summer, Turning Technologies and OIT began training all current and interested clicker technology faculty users for fall course delivery.
Benefits faculty identified with the Turning Technologies’ TurningPoint system included:
- Ease of use in creating and delivering quizzes
- Quiz delivery without PowerPoint or in-class computer via TurningPointAnywhere
- Response submissions via the clicker or mobile devices: cell phone, PDA, or a laptop computer
- Integration with Blackboard Grade Center
- No student registration purchase
- Less overall cost for students
What are 'Clickers'?
Clickers are remote-controlled devices that allow students to send their responses to multiple choice and true-false questions, via radio frequency (rf) technology, to a receiver connected to the instructor's laptop computer. Software installed on the computer analyzes the data and displays the results graphically (bar graphs, pie charts, etc.), giving both students and faculty a quick idea of what concepts might need further review or preparation. UT Knoxville has adopted the ResponseCard XR “clicker” developed by Turning Technologies.
NOTE: Turning Technologies modified their branding during summer 2009 which changed the “look” of their ResponseCard XR device. However, the functionality remains the same.
This trend in teaching and learning has been quite successful in engaging students and enhancing their learning experience.
- Faculty can instantly assess student understanding of the material.
- Student attendance increases.
- Students are better prepared for class.
- Class participation is enhanced via peer discussion and conceptual thinking.
What steps do faculty take to use clickers?
Any UT Knoxville faculty interested in using clicker technology can contact OIT at help.utk.edu or 974-9900. Faculty must also contact the UT Bookstore to order clickers for their class(es). OIT staff will provide your instructor’s kit and assist with on-campus training, question structuring, and developing interactive strategies with clicker technology. Click below for clicker registration instructions.
Faculty ResponseCardXR Registration (PDF)
Gathering Participants List: Mac, PC (PDFs)
What steps do students take to use clickers?
Students can purchase a ResponseCard XR from the UT Bookstore for $50. There are no additional fees. However, students choosing to use their Smartphones, PDAs, or laptop computers with Turning Technologies’ ResponseWare system, must purchase an access license from the Turning Technologies online store. The UTK school code is 1kQB. The cost is $16/year or $32/4 years. Students must register ALL devices within their Online@UT course site. Click below for registration instructions.
Student ResponseCardXR Registration (PDF)
ResponseWare Web Registration (PDF)
Turning Technologies online store.
For more information or to request training, contact the OIT Helpdesk at help.utk.edu or 865-974-9900.
Note: PDF format files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print the file.