Successful clicker standardization

Abstract

Student response systems, commonly referred to as "clickers," have become an important learning tool in higher education. With a growing number of faculty using the technology to promote active learning, student engagement, and assessment, most campuses have seen increasing clicker use. And with faculty bombarded by multiple, incentive-laden clicker systems pushed by manufacturers and textbook publishers, it is not surprising to find multiple clicker systems on any campus. The presence of multiple clicker systems inadvertently creates problems for different stakeholders. In an effort to address these issues, some institutions have standardized on a single clicker system. This article shares the collective experience of clicker standardization leaders at four institutions: Iowa State University, the University of Mississippi, the University of Toronto, and San Diego State University. For various reasons, each institution selected a different system. Despite encountering a few bumps in the road, all have had success--as well as increased clicker use in classes. (Contains 3 endnotes.)