Module 1 Blog Assignment - Current Technology
One of my favorite tech devices I use is the PRS, otherwise known as “clickers.” Clickers are personal response devices that students use to enter responses to assignments. These assignments can be as a whole group with the problems displayed on the projector. After each student has responded a graph displaying the number of responses for each choice will appear and then the next question can be shown. A self paced function is also available. The teacher can distribute paper copies of the assignment and instead of marking the answers on the paper they enter them on the clickers. The results for individual students are recorded in the previously determined RF Class. These scores can be viewed later to guide future lessons.
The clickers and the PRS system itself is a wonderful way to do rapid assessments. It is quick and easy to see what has been mastered and what students are still struggling with. However as with most new technology, clickers are not without their problems. When using the clickers students can accidently enter the incorrect answer into their clicker. IF the student is observant, he can change his response before the time is up on that question if the assignment is being completed as a whole group. But as most elementary teachers know once a student answers the question they do not look back at the display. The same goes for the self paced assignment. Penn State University had to discontinue the use of PRS devices due to their “unpredictability” until they are able to test new clickers. (Technology, 2010) Since these devices are run on batteries the lack of replacement batteries can cause issues with students not being able to complete assignments.
PRS devices have many benefits that can be attributed to them. One major benefit to teachers is that it is a quick and easy way to conduct rapid assessments of learning that provides a graphical representation of responses. Rapid assessments can be created to be given at the completion of predetermined lessons to aid in guiding the teacher with the next lessons. These lessons that are created to use with PRS clickers can also be saved to use in the future. Another benefit of PRS is that it helps facilitate active student engagement. Students must stay attune to the lesson to be able to respond appropriately in the given amount of time. (Trepka, n.d.) PRS devices by Interwrite are compatible with many other technologies such as Power Point, Word, Smart Boards, and projector systems to facilitate learning. Finally the PRS devices allow students to view how they are learning compared to others in the class with the graphical representation of responses after each question. In my experiences, friendly competition is a great motivator for learning.
The pitfalls that I have seen in the PRS devices can be overcome by preparation and practice. Batteries need to be kept on hand to replace dead one so that all clickers are functional at all times. As for students entering incorrect responses, the teacher would need to provide practice with the clickers to instruct the students on how to use the clickers and how to double check their answers. I believe that students should not be “graded” with the clickers until they are proficient in using them.
Over all I believe that clickers are an asset to every classroom if for no other reason to streamline the work load for teachers and reduce the amount of paper used in the classroom. (Due to budget cuts paper at my school is like gold.)
Resources:
Goodwin, J. (2009, March 12). Interwrite prs (clickers): quick start guide. Retrieved from
http://spart7.info/7wiki/index.php?title=InterWrite_PRS_(Clickers):_Quick_Start_Guide
Technology classroom "clickers". (2010). Retrieved from
http://clc.its.psu.edu/Classrooms/resources/clickers
Trepka, J. (n.d.). What are the benefits of the use of clickers in an aas. Retrieved from
http://www.kirkwood.edu/pdf/uploaded/7/jim_trepka_castle_case_study.pdf
Link to PRS Clickers http://clickers.wiki.uml.edu/PRS+FAQ%27s
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I have wanted to get clickers for my first grade classroom for a long time. I feel like so many kids are so used to using game type devices and even when they use programs on the computers it is clicking an answer that they would catch on quickly. Thanks for sharing the information. I plan to keep it for if and when I am ever asked what new technology I would like to have.
ReplyDeleteTabitha
ReplyDeleteI agree that clickers can provide quick and powerful feedback for students as they complete class assignments. However, I have experienced several setbacks with using them in my classroom. For example, if I assign five problems, I have some students, who can finish the work in 5 minutes while others may require 15 minutes. How do you not waste valuable class time? As a middle school teacher, I also loose time when I pass out or take up clickers. I know with third graders, you probably do not have to worry about changing classes as much, but could you recommend some ways that you use your clickers effectively? How long do you let your students use the clickers before you start grading them?
Amy
Amy,
ReplyDeleteWhen I use clickers for the whole group it is usually for practicing vocabulary or items that do not require multiple steps to complete. If I want to use the clickers for problems that require a good bit of comuptation I use the self paced option giving the students hard copies of the problems to be solved and they are required to turn in their work on notebook paper.
This year I am changing classes two times for a total of 3 classes. One class is a Sp.Ed./EIP/Repeater class, one is a gifted cluster, and the last is a average class with 3 Sp. Ed. students .
During my unit on multiplication and division I created lessons to practice basic facts. The students had 8 seconds per fact to enter their answer. The students really liked it because they go instant feedback.
As for when I started grading what they complete clicker activities, I gave the students the first 9 weeks to practice using them. I take, on average, one grade per week to enter into my grade book, though I do use them for practice about 2-3 times.
Tabitha