Introduction
Using iClicker in large classes increases student attendance and interaction.
- Students use iClicker remotes or their mobile devices to answer quiz and survey questions during class.
- Instructors can save responses to their computers or on the cloud.
- Instructors can import or sync grades with Canvas.
iClicker is one of two real-time student response systems at Virginia Tech. The other is Top Hat.
Contents
Top of Page
Instructions
Comparison of Student Response System (iClicker) / Active Learning Platform (Top Hat)
| Feature |
iClicker Cloud |
iClicker Classic |
Top Hat |
| Instructors present slides in the app |
✓ |
|
✓ |
| Instructors can quiz students |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Students must purchase remotes |
|
✓ |
|
| Students can use mobile devices |
✓ |
|
✓ |
| Data stored in the cloud |
✓ |
|
✓ |
| Auto-syncs with Canvas (others sync manually) |
✓ |
✓ |
|
| Instructors can take attendance based on student device location/GPS |
✓ |
|
✓ |
iClicker Options
iClicker has two hardware and two software options. We recommend using iClicker Cloud software and student mobile devices.
Instructor Software
|
Student Response Method
|
| iClicker Cloud |
Mobile Devices |
Remotes |
Both |
| iClicker Classic |
Mobile Devices |
Remotes |
Both |
iClicker Hardware Options
Instructors can collect student response data two ways:
Students Use Mobile Devices
No special hardware instructor hardware needed!
- Instructors log into iClicker Cloud to collect student responses online.
- Students respond with their mobile devices using the iClicker Student app and an iClicker subscription they purchase at the bookstore.
- Instructors can use GPS location to take student attendance.
Students Use Remotes
Instructor base station and student remotes needed!
- Instructors use a base station in the classroom that detects signal from student remotes.
- Instructors get free base stations from Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies in Virginia Tech's Division of IT.
- Students purchase remotes at the bookstore.
iClicker base stations
We encourage instructors and students to move to iClicker Cloud, because they don't need to purchase any additional hardware. iClicker Cloud integrates with Canvas, has GPS-based attendance, supports more question types, and automatically backs up grades on the cloud.
- To request a base station, go to the 4Help Portal, log in, and click Get Help. State that you'd like an iClicker base station kit.
iClicker Software Options
iClicker software has two versions, both of which support student responses with remotes, mobile devices, or both.
iClicker Cloud
We recommend iClicker Cloud, because only it has:
- Grade backup on the cloud
- Sync with Canvas - grades automatically update after each session
- GPS based attendance
- Advanced question types
iClicker Cloud replaced the iClicker Reef instructor app.
iClicker Classic
iClicker Classic runs on an instructor computer or USB drive:
- Designed for the older, hardware-based response system
- Grades must be manually imported to Canvas after each session
Comparison
Feature
|
iClicker Cloud
|
iClicker Classic
|
| Download software from iClicker |
✓ |
|
| Download software from Virginia Tech |
|
✓ |
| Uses base station & student remotes |
✓ |
✓ |
| Uses iClicker online account & student mobile app |
✓ |
✓ |
| Backs up data on the cloud |
✓ |
|
| Data stored locally |
|
✓ |
| Upload grades to Canvas after each session |
|
✓ |
| Sync grades to Canvas automatically |
✓ |
✓ |
| Detects student location for taking attendance |
✓ |
|
| Question type: Multiple choice |
✓ |
✓ |
| Question type: Short answer |
✓ |
✓ |
| Question type: Numeric |
✓ |
✓ |
| Question type: Target |
✓ |
|
System Requirements
Make sure your computer meets the System Requirements from iClicker Support.
Resources
Top of Page
Getting Started
Decide on an iClicker Hardware Option
- Online polling & student mobile devices
- iClicker base stations & student remotes
- Both
Notify the Virginia Tech Bookstore
Notify the Virginia Tech Bookstore that you intend to use iClicker remotes in your course. Include:
- How many students are enrolled.
- Which hardware option you're using.
Inform your department administrator responsible for book orders or notify the bookstore directly:
- Daniel Kwasny | Course Materials Manager I | dkwasny@vt.edu | 540-231-5991 x 116
- Christen Denton | Course Materials Manager III | chrober3@vt.edu | 540-231-5991 x 132
Have Students Register Devices
Direct students to Student Response System - How to Use iClickers (for Students) for instructions.
Online Polling & Student Mobile Devices
STUDENTS:
- Students download the free iClicker Student mobile app.
- Students purchase a subscription to register their device.
- Registering the app links student names to their responses.
Base Station Polling & Student Remotes
INSTRUCTORS:
Activate the iClicker student registration tool in Canvas:
- Go to the Canvas site for the course where you want to use iClickers.
- Click Settings on the left-hand navigation menu to go to the site's settings.
- Click the Navigation tab.
- Drag iClicker registration from the section titled Drag items here to hide them from students up to the section titled Drag and drop items to reorder them in the course navigation.
- Click Save.
Detailed directions from Canvas Guides
STUDENTS:
- Students purchase iClicker remotes at the Virginia Tech bookstore.
- Students register their remote in any Canvas site that has the iClicker tool enabled.
- Registering remotes links student names to their responses.
Decide on a Software Option
For instructions, go to:
Top of Page
Getting Help
MacMillan Learning supports iClicker usage and syncing:
Canvas supports Canvas Grades:
- Click Help on any Canvas screen for a list of 24-7 support options.
For other questions:
Top of Page