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. 

• For iClicker Classic instructions, see Student Response System - How to Use iClicker Classic (for Instructors).
• For iClicker Cloud instructions, see Student Response System - How to Use iClicker Cloud (for Instructors).
• For student instructions, see Student Response System - Using iClickers (for Students).

Contents

• Comparison of Student Response System (iClicker) / Active Learning Platform (Top Hat)
• iClicker Options
  
  • iClicker Hardware Options
  • iClicker Software Options
  • System Requirements
  • Resources
• Getting Started
  
  • Decide on an iClicker Hardware Option
  • Notify the Virginia Tech Bookstore
  • Have Students Register Devices
  • Decide on an iClicker Software Option
• Getting Help

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	✓		✓

Please note that iClicker Cloud will be replacing iClicker Classic as the single supported iClicker instructor software for classes starting in January 2024. For more information on the transition, see MacMillan's website.

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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.
  • 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. 
• Students purchase remotes at the bookstore. 

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 it has: 

• Grade backup on the cloud
• Sync with Canvas - grades automatically update after each session
• GPS based attendance
• Advanced question types

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

Please note that iClicker Classic won't be available after Fall 2023. For more information on the transition, see MacMillan's website.

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

• Compare iClicker Cloud and iClicker Classic
• iClicker Student Mobile App
• How to Run an Exit Poll in iClicker Cloud

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Getting Started

1. Decide on an iClicker Hardware Option 

• Online polling & student mobile devices
• iClicker base stations & student remotes
• Both

2. 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

3. Have Students Register Devices

Direct students to Student Response System - How to Use iClickers (for Students) for instructions. 

	Online Polling & Student Mobile Devices	Base Station Polling & Student Remotes
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.	Students purchase iClicker remotes at the Virginia Tech bookstore. Students register their remote in Canvas. Registering remotes links student names to their responses.
Instructors		Direct students to the iClicker Remote Registration site in Canvas to register their iClicker remotes.

4. Decide on a Software Option

For instructions for each option, go to:

• iClicker Cloud: Student Response System - How to Use iClicker Cloud (for Instructors)
• iClicker Classic: Student Response System - How to Use iClicker Classic (for Instructors)

Please note that iClicker Classic won't be available after Fall 2023. For more information on the transition, see MacMillan's website.

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Getting Help

MacMillan Learning supports iClicker usage and syncing: 

• Contact iClicker Support
• Search the iClicker Knowledgebase
• Request training
• Sign up for a refresher webinar

Canvas supports Canvas Grades: 

• Click Help on any Canvas screen for a list of 24-7 support options. 

For other questions: 

• Go to the 4Help Portal, log in, and click Get Help.

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