MHC students and faculty discover i>clicker technology

About15 MHC faculty are participating in a pilot project this Fall and Spring semesters with an interactive classroom response system.  The i>clicker technology allows instructors and students to interact dynamically through question-and-answer polling in classrooms and other group settings.  Students can check their i>clicker remotes out at the Library Circulation Desk for the semester and use them for multiple courses using the technology.  We've heard that most students feel that the introduction of the i>clicker technology has made a positive contribution to their course experiences.

Here are some teaching challenges that i>clickers may help you to achieve:

• My class is large - I never have enough time to take questions or give students the chance to speak.
• Variety of voices - the same students always volunteer and I want to hear from others.
• Providing low-stakes assessment experiences for students before the real quiz or test.
• Maintaining student engagement after the first 20 or 25 minutes of lecture.
• Testing the waters when my class is covering sensitive topics.
• Providing students with a catalyst for discussion. 
• Promoting deeper learning by encouraging students to share their views and defend their positions. 
• Testing the prevalence of misconceptions or prior knowledge at the beginning of a class or a section of lecture.