October 4, 2005 Source: St. Mary's University:
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2005/04-10-2005.html Profs click with students It’s not unusual to find technology in today’s classroom. Normally, we envision computers, LCD projectors, SMART Boards. After a successful pilot project beginning in 2001, however, 48 classrooms have now been set up with wireless responder capability. What is wireless responder capability? Good question. Is it: A) an easy-to-use radio-frequency response system that obtains immediate feedback from every student B) a Classroom Performance System from eInstruction C) a system of clickers D ) all of the above If you "clicked" D, you are correct. Dr. Adam Sarty and Dr. Karen Lightstone are the principals behind the project to implement the clickers, as they’re affectionately known, at Saint Mary’s. Dr. Sarty is a professor in the Astronomy and Physics Department, and Dr. Lightstone is a professor in the Accouncting Department. While teaching physics at Florida State University, Dr. Sarty realized he was really only connecting with the first two rows of students. Looking for ways to engage his entire class, he tried a number of tricks and techniques – from passing around sheets of paper to colour cards. After hearing about a system of wired responders built into classrooms at George Washington University, which was prohibitively expensive at $200-300 per student, Dr. Sarty started looking for a less expensive, wireless version. At Saint Mary’s, Dr. Sarty began piloting an early version of the wireless responder in his introductory physics class. He was amazed how the students’ attention and enthusiasm improved. The wireless responder system can be used to both engage and assess students. An instructor can utilize the clickers to discover and take advantage of divergence in class opinion or reveal the existence of misconceptions. The system encourages students to participate, regardless of class size; provokes thought and interactive learning; and can curtail distractions by focusing students’ attention on the front of the room and topics being discussed. Instructors can also use the system to present quizzes and mark students for participation or bonus questions, since answers are recorded on the computer with the identifying mark of each student’s clicker. They can, however, be used anonymously, allowing for maximum student participation. "You have to use the system responsibly and focus on the engagement aspect of the technology," says Dr. Sarty. "This will have a profound, long-lasting impact on teaching at Saint Mary's, allowing us to engage students even in big classes." Dr. Lightstone became interested in the clickers after seeing a demonstration of them from a textbook company representative. She was looking to bring the technology into the Faculty of Commerce without needing to be restricted to a particular textbook company. She found out about Dr. Sarty’s interest and pilot-project with the clickers, and they teamed up to make an "all across Saint Mary's " proposal. Dr. Lightstone conducted most of the research to ensure the selection of the RF system from eInstruction was the best choice for Saint Mary's. "I was sold from the beginning," Dr. Lightstone said. "I want the students to have feedback about their understanding of the material long before the mid-term exam hits them. This system allows students to see how they are doing without anyone else knowing." The wireless responder system is affordable. Saint Mary’s has purchased 48 receivers for classrooms to be implemented under an internal competition of the "Strategic Initiatives Fund." Extra receivers are also received free from eInstruction – one for each instructor that uses the system. In classes where the technology is used, students will purchase a clicker for $20, with a $10 refund when returned, and buy a license each semester for $20, which covers the student for all classes they have using the clickers. Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
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