Welcome to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, one of the premier institutions of higher education in the United States. As a new instructor, navigating the various tools and technologies available to enhance teaching and learning can be overwhelming. One such tool that has gained popularity is iClicker, a student response system designed to engage students, promote active learning, and facilitate real-time feedback. This guide is specifically tailored for new instructors at UMass Amherst, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of how to integrate iClicker into their teaching practices effectively in 2024.
Introduction to iClicker
iClicker is a versatile platform that allows instructors to poll students, collect feedback, and assess understanding during lectures. It supports various question types, including multiple-choice, true/false, and short answer questions. Students can respond using their mobile devices, laptops, or dedicated iClicker remotes. For new instructors at UMass Amherst, understanding how iClicker works and its potential to enhance classroom engagement is crucial. The university’s adoption of iClicker reflects its commitment to innovative teaching methods and student success.
Setting Up iClicker for Your Course
To start using iClicker, you first need to set up your course on the iClicker Cloud platform. This involves creating an account, adding your course, and configuring the settings according to your teaching needs. UMass Amherst provides support for instructors to ensure a smooth setup process. The Information Technology (IT) department offers resources and workshops specifically designed for new instructors to learn about iClicker and other educational technologies.
Once your course is set up, you can begin creating polls and questions. iClicker allows you to import questions from various sources, including PowerPoint presentations and quizzes from the Learning Management System (LMS). This flexibility makes it easier to integrate iClicker into your existing curriculum. For instance, you can use iClicker to gauge students’ understanding of complex concepts during a lecture, facilitating real-time adjustments to your teaching strategy.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Polling | Allows instructors to create and conduct polls during class. |
| Question Import | Enables the import of questions from external sources like PowerPoint. |
| Grading | Provides an option to grade student responses and sync with the LMS. |
Best Practices for Using iClicker in the Classroom
Effective use of iClicker involves more than just setting up the technology. It requires a thoughtful approach to how you integrate it into your teaching strategy. Here are some best practices to consider:
- Start Simple: Begin with basic question types and gradually move to more complex ones as you and your students become more comfortable with the system.
- Make it Relevant: Ensure that the polls and questions you create are relevant to the course material and contribute to the learning objectives.
- Provide Feedback: Use iClicker to provide immediate feedback to students. This can be particularly useful for formative assessments, helping students understand where they need to focus their studying.
Addressing Common Challenges
While iClicker offers many benefits, there are potential challenges to consider, such as ensuring all students have access to the necessary technology and addressing any technical issues that may arise during use. UMass Amherst has measures in place to support instructors in overcoming these challenges, including technical support and resources for promoting equity and inclusion in the use of educational technology.
Moreover, the university encourages instructors to explore strategies for universal design for learning (UDL), ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in and benefit from iClicker activities. This includes providing alternative formats for students who may need them and incorporating accessible technologies into the classroom.
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Technical Issues | Contact UMass Amherst IT support for assistance. |
| Accessibility | Implement UDL principles and use accessible technologies. |
| Equity and Inclusion | Ensure all students have access to necessary technology and provide alternative formats as needed. |
Future Implications and Development
As educational technology continues to evolve, it’s essential to consider the future implications of using iClicker and similar tools in the classroom. UMass Amherst is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, investing in innovative educational technologies that enhance teaching and learning. Instructors play a crucial role in this process, providing feedback and insights that can inform the development of future tools and platforms.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into educational technologies like iClicker is an area of significant interest. These technologies have the potential to further personalize learning, offering students tailored feedback and learning pathways based on their individual needs and performance.
Evidence-Based Practices
When considering the adoption of any educational technology, it’s crucial to look at the evidence. Research on the effectiveness of iClicker and similar student response systems shows promising results in terms of increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes. However, it’s also important to approach these findings critically, recognizing the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement.
UMass Amherst encourages instructors to participate in action research and scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) projects. These initiatives provide opportunities for instructors to investigate the impact of educational technologies like iClicker on student learning, contributing to a broader understanding of effective teaching practices.
How do I get started with using iClicker at UMass Amherst?
+To get started, visit the UMass Amherst IT website for guides and resources on setting up iClicker for your course. You can also contact the IT department directly for personalized support.
What kinds of questions can I ask using iClicker?
+iClicker supports a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, true/false, and short answer questions. You can also import questions from external sources like PowerPoint presentations.
How can I ensure that all my students can use iClicker?
+UMass Amherst is committed to equity and inclusion. Ensure that all students have access to the necessary technology, and provide alternative formats for students who may need them. The university's IT department and disability services can offer support and resources.
In conclusion, iClicker is a powerful tool for enhancing teaching and learning at UMass Amherst. By understanding its capabilities, best practices for use, and addressing potential challenges, instructors can leverage iClicker to create more engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environments. As educational technology continues to evolve, the role of instructors in shaping its development and application will remain critical, ensuring that these tools serve the needs of all students and contribute to the advancement of education.
