Created by educators, for educators
iClicker was developed by educators to solve specific learning challenges. We asked our founders from the University of Illinois how iClicker got its start, and the problems it continues to solve.
Edna Ross
Has taught for 40 years and has been an iClicker customer since 2005.
16,900
Students engaged in Edna Ross's active learning classroom since she started using iClicker.
Products Used
Instructor Software: iClicker Classic
Student Devices Allowed: iClicker +, iClicker 2, iClicker Reef
See all iClicker Products
Go All In: Get Students Engaged and Involved in the Learning Process
We asked Professor Ross a few questions about why, what, and how she does what she does for her students on a daily basis. Here is what she had to say:
What is the most fulfilling aspect of teaching for you?
"Students who were unmotivated previously becoming excited and engaged with psychology."
What drew you to seek a student engagement solution in your course?
"I teach courses of over 300 students at one time. I needed a way to get students actively engaged in lectures instead of just passively sitting (or sleeping) through class."
Tools used in Edna Ross's active learning classroom.
Instructor Software
For her instructor software, Edna Ross uses iClicker Classic, iClicker's offline system for tracking your students engagement and grades that uses a hardware base.
Student Response Option(s)
Edna Ross's students across different courses have the option to use iClicker Reef, our mobile application, or iClicker remotes. iClicker Reef provides the student the option to use advanced question types and study guides, while the iClicker remote is a device dedicated to classroom participation and rock-solid reliable.
Compare Instructor & Student Product Options
Pairs Active Learning with Great Resources
How have students responded to the use of iClicker, what is the biggest challenge iClicker solves for you, and were there any unexpected results from the use of iClicker in your course?
"Students love using iClicker! It gives them an opportunity to compare their comprehension of material to their classmates without exposing them to ridicule or embarrassment. It gives students (especially freshmen) the opportunity to find out what they don't know (but think they do) before a major course exam. iClicker solved the problem of giving every student a way to interact with me, the course material, as well as with each other. Unexpected results were that it also encouraged attendance of all students."
What made you decide to select iClicker over other options?
"Other systems require questions and especially question answers to be determined and uploaded in advance. iClicker allows me to use any (or no) platform and even ask questions on the fly. Minimal to no learning curve."
WEBINAR: Active Learning in Psychology
Studies show that engaging students through activities, discussion and collaboration is more effective than traditional lecturing. iClicker is pleased to invite you to a Psychology-specific webinar led by Edna Ross. Watch this webinar to learn key strategies, ideas and best practices as they relate to the Psychology classroom!
Tips & Best Practices from Professor Ross
The Mobile Conundrum: Pros & Cons of Technology in The Classroom
We believe the decision on whether or not to allow mobile devices and laptops in the classroom lies with you, the educator. To help you consider the pros and cons of going mobile, Professor Ross and her colleagues invite you to explore three different perspectives.
iClicker in Psychology
Dr. Edna Ross, Course Director and Psychology Instructor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville teaches over 300 students each semester in her Introduction to Psychology course. Although taking a tag-team approach to teaching, where each topic is taught by an instructor passionate in that area, Dr. Ross structures the entire course for consistency which requires her to strategize ways to not only engage students from the start, but teach them how to think about psychology in the best way to fully comprehend the concepts.
What are some key concepts in the course you teach that are more easily mastered as a result of iClicker-based activities and how have you seen a measurable difference in performance?
"--operant vs classical conditioning --memory processes/false memories --pseudoscience characteristics --heuristics/algorithms --critical thinking. iClicker points account for 10% of my final course grade. This encourages students to attend class (which results in better course outcomes). In addition, I prime students for major course exams with the iClicker quizzes. Students have noted that the clicker questions alert them to mistakes or sloppy notes--they miss clicker questions because their notes were incorrect. They learn to listen better and take better notes. iClicker questions are their feedback for improvement. "
How does iClicker save you time?
"iClicker allows me to give low stakes quizzes frequently especially to my large enrollment classes. I can grade the clicker questions quickly (with just a 'click') and then upload automatically the scores from each class session to my LMS grade center. Easy Peasy!"
What is your favorite iClicker feature?
"Different question types (MC, numeric, short answer and target questions in iclicker cloud). Allows me to mix things up and not just do the same old 'multiple guess' questions."
-
-
Capture student attendance
Using a variety of geolocation-based technologies, iClicker Cloud quickly and reliably tells you who is attending class, and who isn’t.
-
Powered by why
We believe in giving all students a voice and that all classrooms should feel small. This is one piece of a larger vision for engaged, active learning that drives us here at iClicker. What's your why... and how can we help you attain it?