1. iClicker Student Response Systems
Searching...

iClicker Student Response Systems

The University of Miami supports the iClicker student response systems from Macmillan for student polling activities in classes. Any student response system consists of the following two components.

  • Instructor system – The instructor software opens polling, stores the answers, takes an image of the instructor’s computer screen, and displays polling results. Instructors can either use iClicker Classic, software that runs and stores all information on a USB flash drive or portable computer, or iClicker Cloud, software that runs on the computer in the classroom but stores all data and information in the cloud at iClicker.com. Both systems are free for instructors.
  • Student response devices – Students respond with either a physical device (iClicker+ or iClicker2) or an app (iClicker Reef) on their smartphone or computer. The instructor determines whether the students will be required to use a specific device type or will be able to select between the two. Either way, the device is handled like a textbook and paid for by the student.

So before proceeding, the instructor will need to choose which software and devices will be used in class.

iClicker Classic or iClicker Cloud?

You will need to decide whether you, the instructor, will be using the iClicker Classic software on a computer in the classroom or the iClicker Cloud web-based service.

  • If you do not allow your students to use smartphones or computers during class, you will probably want to use the iClicker Classic instructor software and have each of your students purchase or rent a physical iClicker+ or iClicker2 device.
  • If you allow your students to use smartphones or computers during class, at least during polling activities, you will probably want to use the iClicker Cloud instructor software and have your students get the iClicker Reef app on their devices.

The iClicker Classic software used at UM has a custom integration with UM’s Blackboard Learn system, making it easy to match student names with results and, if desired, post results in the Blackboard grade center. The current version for UM should be downloaded from the links below.

Support

iClicker Support

For general issues (how to get started, how to set up the software, how to use the system) please contact iClicker.

Our contact person at Macmillan, for bulk purchases and such:

  • Robert Parker; Macmillan Learning; Institutional Sales Representative; 404.615.4537 (cell)

UM Support

Faculty Setup Instructions for iClicker Classic

  1. Bookmark this page, https://lpt.it.miami.edu/iclicker-student-response-system/, so you can easily access our iClicker information.
  2. If you have not used iClicker Classic before, fill out the form at the http://learn.iclicker.com/KitRequest.html web page. Once it is ordered, it will take 7-10 business days for your free iClicker kit to arrive. **Make sure to also notify the bookstore, asap (see below).
  3. In order for the bookstore to have iClickers for your students, you need to let them know that you will be using iClickers in your class(es). Handle this just like a textbook. If you will use the iClicker+, the less expensive clicker without alphanumeric input, then give the bookstore ISBN 1319149243. If you will be using the iClicker2, the one with alphanumeric input, give the bookstore ISBN 1319149588.
  4. iClicker will send you an instructor’s kit with a base unit (receiver), instructor clicker, and a USB drive with the iClicker software.
  5. The software on the USB drive provided by iClicker needs some changes to allow synchronization of student names via our Blackboard system. In order to have that capability, rename the folder on the USB drive to “old software” and then download our software using the links below.
  6. Contact Learning Platforms at learningplatforms@miami.edu or 305-284-3949 and request a “Register Clicker” menu item be added to your Blackboard course web site(s). Your students should register their iClickers through your course site on Blackboard, not through the iclicker.com website.

iClicker Software Downloads

Windows iClicker Software Macintosh iClicker Software

If you have problems downloading, installing, or configuring the iClicker software, you can contact our Blackboard Help Desk at 305-284-3949, or blackboardhelp@miami.edu. The Blackboard Help Desk is staffed 9am-9pm seven days a week.

Notes

Please do NOT use the version of the software from the iclicker.com site. It is not integrated with our Blackboard system.
Please do NOT have students register on the iclicker.com web site. Contact blackboardhelp@miami.edu and have a registration link placed on your course site(s) on our Blackboard system.

Faculty Setup Instructions for iClicker Cloud

  1. Bookmark this page, https://lpt.it.miami.edu/iclicker-student-response-system/, so you can easily access our iClicker information.
  2. Download the iClicker Cloud program from https://www.iclicker.com/downloads/iclicker-cloud. A Windows standalone version is available on that page that can be run from a USB flash drive. Get this copy if you will be using a classroom computer on which you cannot install software.
  3. If you will also be allowing students who already have a physical iClicker to use it, contact Learning Platforms at learningplatforms@miami.edu or 305-284-3949 and request a “Register Clicker” menu item be added to your Blackboard course web site(s). Your students should register their iClickers through your course site on Blackboard, not through the iclicker.com website.

iClicker Resources

UM iClicker Resources

If students will only be using physical clickers in your class, you can ignore the next section on Reef. Reef is only important if students will be using smartphones to submit their answers.

Reef

What’s the Difference Between iClicker 7 and Reef?

iClicker v7 is meant for classrooms that will be using mostly clickers and maybe a few cell phones/tablets/laptops.

Reef Polling is a new mobile solution (replacing iClickerGO) that is cloud-based and allows students to use phones/tablets/laptops, instead of or in addition to a clicker. You must have strong wifi in your classroom for this option.

That means that whether the instructor uses iClicker v7 or Reef Polling to manage the polling, the students can use either a physical clicker or the Reef Polling app on their internet connected device. The iClicker v7 software is downloaded and run off a USB flash drive (or computer in the classroom) and the data is all stored with the program. The instructor who is using the Reef Polling system … (I don’t know. They probably connect to an internet location? I haven’t had time yet to watch all the videos below.)

iClicker and Reef Videos

Bookstore Information