Student FAQ Links
General
- Do I need more than one i>clicker remote?
- Will my remote work in other classes?
- How do I tell what my remote ID number is?
- Why is a clicker required for my class?
- Can I share my i>clicker remote with my roommate/friend?
Using the remote
- How do I use the remote?
- How do I turn on my remote?
- How do I know if my vote has been received?
- Can I change my response?
- Could my responses be confused with others?
- How do I change the channel on my remote?
Batteries
- What type of batteries will I need?
- How long will my batteries last?
- How do I change my batteries?
- What if I forget to turn off my remote?
Support
- What do I do if the remote doesn't work?
- What if I am having problems with my remote?
- Is technical support available?
Cost and fees
Faculty FAQ Links
General
- Which student response system (clicker) are we using at UofA?
- Do I need to order i>clicker remotes?
- How much do the i>clicker remotes and receivers cost?
- What are the remotes/clickers/key pads?
- What are the System Requirements?
- What hardware is needed to run the i>clicker student response system?
- Will my classroom PC have a receiver?
- What operating systems work with i>clicker?
- I am a MAC user. Is i>clicker Mac Compatible?
- How can i>clicker be incorporated into my class?
- Why did UofA choose i>clicker to be the standardized system?
- Do I have to use the i>clicker system?
- Do clickers improve exam performances?
- Can I add my own applications or modify i>clicker?
- The screen for setting/preferences is distorted, what do I do?
- Do I need to use Powerpoint?
- Where can I download student response system software?
- Can I upload results into my WebCT/Blackboard grade book?
- How do I run the software?
- How do I update the software?
- Does the update process erase my session data?
- Do I need different copies of the software for different classes?
- What does the i>clicker software look like when it runs?
- How do I add questions to the software?
- Does the software work with PowerPoint?
- What if I don't use PowerPoint? Does the software "convert" my presentation into PowerPoint?
- How can I display i>clicker in conjunction with Keynote Presentation software?
- How can I upgrade my i>clicker software?
- How do I view voting results in class?
- How is the session data saved? Can it be exported to a course management system such as WebCT or Blackboard?
- My class is finished for the semester and I will be teaching a new course. How can I start over?
- The software screen is disjointed and the screen freezes. How do I fix it?
- How do I know I'm using the correct software?
- Where can students obtain a remote?
- What if a student's remote breaks?
- What is the range of the remotes?
- How do students change the channel on their remote?
- How durable are the remotes?
- What is the response time of the remote units?
- What is the maximum number of remotes I can have in a classroom?
- What is the maximum number of remotes we can have on our campus?
- What do my students have to do to change their i>clicker remote frequency?
- What is the battery life for the remotes? How long do students have when the "low battery" light appears?
- Is there an auto shut-off feature?
- How do you replace batteries?
- What if a clicker breaks or is defective?
- Can an i>clicker remote be used as a loaner?
- How will students know when their votes have been received?
- Can students change their responses?
- Can I use my laptop with the receiver?
- What to do when a student remote does not connect with the receiver?
- Where should I place the i>clicker receiver in the classroom?
- Will the receiver interfere with any Wi-Fi signals?
- How do you prevent nearby receivers and clickers from interfering with each other?
- Can't the receivers find the students' frequency for them? Why do they have to do this work? The other systems seem to make changing frequencies easier for students?
- Can I use the receiver and instructor remote for more than one course?
Training
Instructor blue remote
- Where do I collect an instructor blue remote?
- What is the difference between the blue and white remotes? Can I replace the blue remote if it has been lost?
- What is the "instructor's remote" and what does it do?
- How do I enable the "instructor's remote"?
Technical support
- Who will download the software and set-up the hardware in the classroom?
- Is technical support available?
Registering students
i>clicker Student FAQ
Do I need more than one i>clicker remote?
No! The same i>clicker remote will work for all classes using the University standard. You will have to change the frequency of your remote to match the frequency stated on the poster at the front of the classroom.
To reset the frequency on your remote, press and hold the ON/OFF button until the power light flashes. Enter the 2-key frequency code that the i>clicker software is set to. Please note that the receiver must be plugged in to the computer and i>clicker program must be running in order for the frequency change to work. The remote will only change frequencies when an active receiver is within range. Once the frequency has been successfully set you will see the vote status light turn green. Please note that frequency settings are only temporary and the remote will reset itself to the default frequency of AA each time it is turned off.
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Will my remote work in other classes?
Yes, as long as your other instructors are also using i>clicker software and hardware. There are
other clickers available on the market (none of which are cross-compatible), so you will need to
confirm that your other professors are also using i>clicker.
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How do I tell what my remote ID number is?
To locate your i>clicker remote ID, see the back of your remote and enter the series of
numbers on the white sticker on the bottom of your i>clicker remote.
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Why is a clicker required for my class?
Like many instructors, yours has decided (and education studies have confirmed) that incorporating
classroom response system technology helps foster discussion among your classmates, gives your
instructor a clear sense of how the class is doing, and ultimately improves comprehension and
learning.
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Can I share my remote with my roommate/friend?
Yes, as long as you are not taking the same class/section. You cannot share an i>clicker remote for the
same class/section.
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You should bring the i>clicker remote to class unless otherwise instructed. You will use it to respond to questions posed by your instructor. There are simple instructions on its use on the back of the remote and in the packaging.
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Once you remove your i>clicker remote from its packaging, you will need to pull the "Pull" tab from the back
of the remote to activate the batteries. On the front of your clicker you will notice there are 6
options: A, B, C, D, E, and On/Off. The On/Off button is what you choose to both turn it on
(resulting in a sold blue light by the "Power" indicator at the top of your i>clicker remote) and off (removing
the solid blue light).
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How do I know if my vote has been received?
On the top of your i>clicker remote are three light indicators (Power, Low Battery, and Vote Status). The "Vote Status" light will flash green, indicating your vote has been received and confirmed. A red
flashing light indicates that your vote was not received and you will need to vote again. Your i>clicker remote
will also flash red if you vote when your instructor has not begun polling or has stopped polling.
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You are able to change your response as long as the polling remains active. During an active polling period (when your professor is accepting votes), i>clicker will record your last response. Once your instructor stops polling, your change in vote will not be recorded (and your "Status" light will flash red three times).
If you are not sure if your instructor is still polling. Look on the floating polling bar on his/her screen. If you
see the words "Done," s/he has stopped allowing students to vote for that question.
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Could my responses be confused with others?
No. Your remote ID is unique. Note, however, that you cannot share one i>clicker remote with another student in the same class.
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How do I change the channel on my remote?
To reset the frequency on your remote, press and hold the ON/OFF button until the power light flashes. Enter the 2-key frequency code that the i>clicker software is set to. Please note that the receiver must be plugged in to the computer and i>clicker program must be running in order for the frequency change to work. The remote will only change frequencies when an active receiver is within range. Once the frequency has been successfully set you will see the vote status light turn green. Please note that frequency settings are only temporary and the remote will reset itself to the default frequency of AA each time it is turned off.
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What type of batteries will I need?
The i>clicker remotes use three AAA batteries.
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How long will my batteries last?
The battery life is approximately 200 hours. The "Low Battery" light will flash red when you need to
replace your batteries. Once this light begins flashing, you have less than 10 hours of battery power
remaining. Your clicker uses 3 AAA batteries, which are inexpensive to replace. New i>clicker
remotes include 3 AAA batteries.
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On the back of your i>clicker remote is a small slot. You will need to insert a paperclip or similar device
(such as the clasp on a pen) to release the covering, allowing you to remove and replace the batteries.
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What if I forget to turn off my remote?
The i>clicker remote will remain on for 90 minutes as long as there is an activated base in your classroom. If
you leave class and forget to turn off your i>clicker remote, it will automatically turn off after 5 minutes. In
fact, it will automatically turn itself off even if a particular button is being continually compressed.
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What do I do if it doesn't work?
If you encounter a problem with your initial use of the i>clicker remote, take it back to the Bookstore along with your receipt.
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What if I am having problems with my remote?
There is a standard one-year limited warranty available with each i>clicker remote. If the problem occurs during class, let your instructor know immediately. He or she may have a loaner i>clicker remote available for you to use for the duration of the class.
If your i>clicker remote is defective, return it to the Bookstore.
If a particular department on your campus provided it to you, you will need to check with that department to determine their replacement policy.
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Is technical support available?
You can either call i>clicker Technical Support Center toll free at 1-866-209-5698, or you can send an email with your particular concern to support@iclicker.com
Some faculties have support staff who can help with i>clicker, to find out if your faculty has i>clicker support, go to: http://www.ctl.ualberta.ca/elearning/click/click_help.php
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How much does the i>clicker remote cost?
Depending on the strength of the Canadian dollar, the price for the student remote is approximately $35. Students can use the same i>clicker remote over their entire academic career in any course that uses i>clicker with no additional fees.
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At the end of the semester can I sell it back to the Bookstore?
You can sell a university purchased i>clicker remote back to the Bookstore in the same way you sell back your textbooks. The Bookstore will buy back the remotes from students for 50% of the current retail price and re-sell it for 75% of the current retail price.
Keep in mind that you may need an i>clicker remote for a class in an upcoming semester. We recommend saving the i>clicker remote box and user guide to be returned with the clicker. Students can use the same i>clicker remote over their entire academic career in any course that uses i>clicker with no additional fees.
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Do I need to pay a fee each semester to activate the remote?
No. There are no fees.
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i>clicker Faculty FAQ
Which student response system (clicker) are we using?
At the UofA, the standardized clicker is the i>clicker student response system.
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If you want to use clickers, contact the Bookstore to order clickers for the fall or spring. Orders can be submitted through the requisition page, by phone, email or in person. Students can obtain clickers from the bookstore. Depending on the strength of the Canadian dollar the price for the student remote is approximately $35, including bookstore markup. Students can use the same clicker over their entire academic career in any course that uses i>clicker with no additional fees.
Bookstore Contact:
Paul Wilde
Course Materials Manager
University of Alberta Bookstores
Students Union Building
Ph. (780) 492-0433
Fax (780) 492-1726
email: paul.wilde@ualberta.ca
Web site www.bookstore.ualberta.ca
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How much do the remotes and receivers cost?
Depending on the strength of the Canadian dollar the price for the student remote is approximately $35, including bookstore markup. Students can use the same clicker over their entire academic career in any course that uses i>clicker with no additional fees.
AICT Classroom Technologies has installed receivers in all SMART classrooms. To receive your blue remote, contact Paul Wilde at the Bookstore.
You can buy i>clicker instructor kits (receiver, 2 blue remotes) from the Bookstore for ~ $200 (cost price.)
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What are the remotes/clickers/key pads?
The remotes or clickers are used by the students to answer questions. The transmission from the remotes are collected by the receivers (receivers) and sent to the instructor's computer. The remotes are powered by three AAA batteries.
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What are the System Requirements?
PC
Windows XP Professional or Home, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Windows Vista, Windows 7
One USB port
Projection system (highly recommended)
Mac
Max OS X version 10.4 or higher
One available USB port
Projection system (highly recommended)
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What hardware is needed to run the i>clicker student response system?
A receiver is needed that connects to the USB port of your computer. It allows you to receive signals from the students' remotes (clickers). All Smart Classrooms already have a receiver installed in the computer rack.
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Will my classroom PC have a receiver?
AICT Classroom Technologies has deployed a receiver into all Smart classrooms. The frequency in each classroom is hard-coded so that the instructors in those rooms can automatically use the set frequency. The frequency will be posted in each room so students using the remote will know what frequency they need to set. The frequencies for each Smart classroom can be viewed at http://www.aict.ualberta.ca/units/classroom-technologies/smart-classrooms/358-iclickers
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What operating systems work with i>clicker?
For Macintosh, users must run Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or later. The Windows software works on Windows XP, Vista, and 7. For all operating systems, the software an be downloaded from the i>clicker downloads page.
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I am a MAC user. Is i>clicker MAC compatible?
Yes. Download the Mac software from the i>clicker downloads page
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How can i>clicker be incorporated into my class?
There are many ways to incorporate a student response system into your class. The Teaching with i>clicker page on this site has some introductory suggestions.
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Why did UofA choose i>clicker to be the standardized SRS?
An evaluation committee evaluated several clicker systems and found i>clicker to be the system of choice. We know that there are a number of good systems available, but the committee decided to recommend i>clicker as the student response system to use on campus. It is not mandatory for faculty to buy this system. The main benefit of selecting one vendor is that students will only be asked to purchase one unit, and it will work in all their classes that use a Classroom Response System. The process and criteria for standardization and system requirements for UofA can be viewed at the SRS selection process page.
We believe that the i>clicker system makes the most sense on a campus wide level. The i>clicker system is low cost, compatible with existing software, and easy to learn and use by instructors and students. The i>clicker system is flexible enough to meet the diverse needs and abilities of all potential users.
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Do I have to use the i>clicker system?
No, it is not mandatory but it is the only system centrally-supported on campus.
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Do clickers improve exam performances?
To date, little research evidence is available at the UofA or in the research literature with respect to whether the effective use of an SRS actually will improve students' performance on exams. For example, in three UofA courses in Fall 2007, about two-third of student opinions were in agreement that "SRS questions helped them to improve exam performances."
In the literature Carnaghan, C., & Webb, A. (2005) find some evidence that exam performance improvement is associated with SRS usage, but only for those exam questions most closely related to the questions displayed in class and no improvement for exam questions unrelated to class questions.
Assessment of the effects of student response systems on student learning and attitudes over a broad range of biology courses by R.W. Preszler, A Dawe, C B Shuster & M Shuster (2007) show that the increased use of a student response system had a positive influence on students performance on exam questions across six biology courses.
Recent research shows that students who use clickers score better on physics tests - Ohio State University.
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Can I add my own applications or modify i>clicker?
Yes. i>clicker and i>grader are both open source and are therefore adaptable to your needs.
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SOFTWARE
The screens for setting/preferences is distorted, what do I do?
The minimum required computer screen resolution is 1024 x 768. (A lower resolution does not affect the regular polling bar, but it does seriously cause problems with the Settings/Preferences screens.)
A more varied number of font settings (120 DPI and 96 DPI) is allowed.
No. You can use any presentation method you like (Keynote, Word, Flash, Adobe, Google). i>clicker toolbar sits on top of any application.
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Where can I download i>clicker student response system software?
You can download it from http://www.iclicker.com/dnn/SupportCenter/Downloads/tabid/176/Default.aspx. Please ensure that you are using the V5.6 version of the software as older versions of the software are not compatible with the computers installed in the Smart Classrooms.
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Open either the 'iclicker Win' or 'iclicker Mac' folder then double-click on the application: iclicker.exe on a Windows computer or i>clicker.app on a Mac computer, then choose from your course list (if using in multiple courses), and click on Start Session.
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To update the software, open the folder that includes the i>clicker program ('iclicker Win' or 'iclicker Mac'). Instead of opening i>clicker.exe or i>clicker.app, open Web WebUpdate.exe on Windows or Update on a Mac, and follow the instructions. The software update can run fairly quickly.
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Does the update process erase my session data?
It shouldn't, but it is wise to back up your data.
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Do I need different copies of the software for different classes?
No. This was only required for previous versions of the software. When you open the software you choose from the different courses that you are running polling in. The new best practice is to download a new copy of the software for every term that you are using i>clicker in your courses. This will ensure that there are no problems with replicated courses and that your version of the i>clicker software is always current.
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What does the i>clicker software look like when it runs?
Once a session is started, the i>clicker software runs by default as a very small toolbar with few options in the upper-left corner of the screen. This is so it can run in front of other presentation materials, such as PowerPoint slides, without getting in the way. However, it's also possible to use the small toolbar to bring up other pop-up displays, such as a chart of current results, which do take up more space.
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How do I add questions to the software?
You don't. The i>clicker program only controls the reader and collecting student responses. It doesn't have a way to present questions or polls. Since the main i>clicker window is just a small toolbar, though, it's designed to be used with another presentation method, such as PowerPoint.
There is a feature to poll students with an impromptu question that might arise during your lecture. Click on 'Question on the Fly' from the drop down arrow at the right of the floating i>clicker bar. You can then type out the question you want to ask and as soon as you hit 'Start', the question will be recorded as a screen capture and associated with the polling results.
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Does the software work with PowerPoint?
Yes. i>clicker works easily with PowerPoint. i>clicker works with any existing presentation software (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, XML, Flash, Adobe). There is no need to re-author your lectures into our software. Instead, the i>clicker bar floats on top of your course materials and presentation. The igrader screen shot function captures your screen every time you begin polling. This feature offers the ability to review your lecture and clicker questions after class without the drawback of having to re-author your questions in a complicated software application.
If you are currently using PowerPoint and want to use i>clicker, simple write your questions into PowerPoint as you would any other course presentation materials. When you open the i>clicker software (via "Start Session"), the i>clicker floating menu bar will appear and will simply float on top of your PowerPoint presentation. No additional work is required.
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What if I don't use PowerPoint? Does your software "convert" my presentation into PowerPoint?
No problem. You are not tied to PowerPoint in any way. You can easily use i>clicker with any software. i>clicker is not exclusive to PowerPoint and doesn't "convert" your content into a PowerPoint slide show. Many faculty use Adobe, Flash, Word, Keynote, and even Notepad to prepare lectures. i>clicker is not tied to PowerPoint and works with any Macintosh or PC presentation software tool.
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How can I display i>clicker in conjunction with Keynote Presentation software?
In Keynote Preferences, there is an option labeled "Allow others to use the screen." If you check this, and then open i>clicker, the control bar should appear on the screen.
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How can I upgrade my i>clicker software?
Current and new users of i>clicker can double-click the WebUpdate icon in the course folder to update both i>clicker and igrader. This function is in both the 'i>clicker Mac' and 'i>clicker Win' software folders. You may also download the latest software from http://www.iclicker.com/dnn/SupportCenter/Downloads/tabid/176/Default.aspx.
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How do I view voting results in class?
The results chart can be displayed either by clicking the "Display" button on the i>clicker floating bar, or pressing the "B" key on the designated instructor's remote. Results from any session can also be reviewed at a later time using igrader (by running the HTML reports).
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How is the session data saved? Can it be exported to a course management system such as eClass?
Each session is saved in a comma-delimited .csv file, named according to the date and time the session was held. These files are then read by i>grader and presented in an easy-to-view gradebook. i>grader includes options to export the data to a large variety of formats, including WebCT (eClass), Blackboard, and ANGEL.
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My class is finished for the semester and I will be teaching a new course. How can I start over?
The easiest way is to download a new copy of the software from http://www.iclicker.com/dnn/SupportCenter/Downloads/tabid/176/Default.aspx, and to archive your old course folder for your records.
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The software screen is disjointed and the screen freezes. How do I fix it?
Please ensure that you are using the V2 version of the software as older versions of the software are not compatible with the computers installed in the Smart Classrooms. You can obtain a copy of this by visiting http://www.iclicker.com/dnn/SupportCenter/Downloads/tabid/176/Default.aspx.
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How do you know you are using the correct software?
The toolbar looks like this:
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STUDENT REMOTES
Where can students obtain a remote?
Students can obtain clickers from the bookstore for approximately $35. The clickers can be used in multiple courses throughout the student's enrollment. Students will be able to sell the clicker back to the bookstore through the buy-back program.
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What if a student remote breaks?
The clickers have a one-year warranty and will be replaced under warranty by the bookstore. If the clicker is abused, the student will have to purchase another one.
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What is the range of the remote units?
200 - 250 feet.
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How do students change the channel on their clicker?
To reset the frequency on the remote, press and hold the ON/OFF button until the power light flashes. Enter the 2-key frequency code that the i>clicker software is set to (this is displayed clearly on the walls of all SMART classrooms). Please note that the receiver must be plugged in to the computer and i>clicker program must be running in order for the frequency change to work. The remote will only change frequencies when an active receiver is within range. Once the frequency has been successfully set you will see the vote status light turn green. Please note that frequency settings are only temporary and the remote will reset itself to the default frequency of AA each time it is turned off.
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The i>clicker remote and receivers have been through rigorous durability and drop testing. They repeatedly survive falls from 6 feet (1.83 meters.)
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What is the response time of the remote units?
Votes are recorded in a millisecond. i>clicker handles up to 750 votes per second.
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What is the maximum number of remotes I can have in a classroom?
1500. One receiver is capable of recording 1500 remotes at a range of 200-250 feet.
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What is the maximum number of remotes we can have on our campus?
There is no limit.
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What do my students have to do to change their i>clicker remote frequency?
If you are not using the i>clicker default frequency (AA) and have set your sub-frequency to a different channel in Settings and Preferences, i>clicker will alert your students to this change. In class, an alert will appear on your screen when you begin polling that will instruct your students to:
A. Press the On/Off (power) button on their clicker until the blue Power light begins flashing.
B. Press the new two-letter code (that you've designated in your Settings/Preferences and that is noted on the walls of the SMART classroom). A green Vote Status light will indicate your students have successfully reset their remote frequency.
This code will remain in place for the duration of the lecture/session (as long as the remote is on). Students will need to repeat this procedure for every session, which is why setting one code for the entire term will be easier to administer and communicate.
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What is the battery life for the remotes? How long do students have when the "low battery" light appears?
The battery life is approximately 200 hours. The "Low Battery" light will flash red when a user needs to replace the batteries. Once this light begins flashing, the user will have less than 10 hours of battery power remaining. Each i>clicker uses 3 AAA batteries, which are inexpensive to replace. New i>clicker remotes include 3 AAA batteries.
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Is there an auto shut-off feature?
The clicker will remain on for 90 minutes as long as there is an activated base in the classroom. If a student leaves class and forgets to turn off his/her clicker, it will automatically turn off after 5 minutes. In fact, it will automatically turn itself off even if a particular button is being continually compressed (so, for example, if it were accidentally turned on in a backpack).
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There is a small slot on the back of the i>clicker remote. You will need to insert a paperclip or similar device (such as the clasp on a pen) to release the covering, allowing you to remove and replace the batteries.
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What if a clicker breaks or is defective?
There is a standard one-year limited warranty available with each new i>clicker remote. If a clicker is defective, the process of returning it will depend upon how it was obtained/purchased. If purchased through the campus bookstore, students may return it to the bookstore. If you purchased it direct from i>clicker, you will need to contact i>clicker at sales@iclicker.com to request a replacement and return the defective unit to us for analysis. i>clicker are very flexible in accepting "defective" remotes. i>clicker state that they have less than a .001% defective remote rate and less than .0001% defective base/receiver rate.
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Can an i>clicker remote be used as a loaner?
Yes. Instructors can use spare remotes as loaners to students who may have lost a remote or forgot to bring one to class. The remote ID can be assigned to a student for a single session, and the remote can be reassigned in future sessions. Each instructor's adopter kit includes two blue remotes, and generally one is used for loaning purposes (although many professors teaching large sections opt not to offer a "loaner" to students because of class size and potential administrative problems).
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How will students know when their votes have been received?
When a student has voted successfully (vote has been received and confirmed), the "Vote Status" light on the student's remote will flash green. A red flashing light indicates that the student's vote was not received and s/he will need to vote again. If you have stopped polling, the students' clicker will flash red three times as well (and votes will no longer be accepted). In order to receive student votes, you must enable polling (by pressing "Start").
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Can students change their responses?
Students can change responses as long as the polling remains active. During an active polling period, i>clicker records each student's last response. Once polling for a particular question has been turned off, any response changes will not be received (and the clicker status light will flash red).
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RECEIVERS
Can I use my laptop with the receiver?
Yes, provisionally. The basic and standard practice is to use the SMART classroom computer (PC only) and the installed receiver in the computer rack. Instructors will have to use USB sticks containing the i>clicker software (requiring the use of iclicker.exe) and their lecture presentations.
Instructors wishing to use their own laptop to run polling will need their own i>clicker base station and should consult with AICT and CTL in advance to test out their setup.
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What to do when a student remote does not connect with the receiver?
These problems are likely being caused by a weak battery in the remotes. Please try removing the batteries and reseating them. The batteries may not be making appropriate contact with the terminals. Be sure that the batteries are inserted properly, and that the positive (+) end of each battery (the end with the nub) is facing down toward the battery cover. If your remote still does not operate correctly, please repeat the above procedure with a new set of batteries. If you are using Duracell-brand batteries, please try switching to Energizer or another brand. Duracell batteries are a bit shorter than other batteries, and often have trouble making contact in the unit.
Make sure the remote is set to the correct channel used in the classroom. To reset the frequency on your remote, press and hold the ON/OFF button until the power light flashes. Enter the 2-key frequency code that the i>clicker software is set to. Please note that the receiver must be plugged in to the computer and i>clicker program must be running in order for the frequency change to work. The remote will only change frequencies when an active receiver is within range. Once the frequency has been successfully set you will see the vote status light turn green. Please note that frequency settings are only temporary and the remote will reset itself to the default frequency of AA each time it is turned off.
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Where should I place the i>clicker receiver in the classroom?
The i>clicker does not require a line of sight to receive responses, and can be placed anywhere in your classroom. For best performance and maximum range, we would recommend against placing the receiver inside any type of metal enclosure, such as a metal podium. In SMART classrooms, the receivers are pre-positioned in the computer racks and cannot be moved.
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Will the receiver interfere with any Wi-Fi signals?
No. i>clicker operates at 915 MHz, and so it will never interfere with campus Wi-Fi technologies (including Internet, cell phones, and wireless microphones).
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How do you prevent nearby receivers and clickers from interfering with each other?
AICT Classroom Technologies have installed a receiver in all Smart classrooms and have pre-set the frequencies to prevent interference with nearby classrooms. The frequencies for each Smart classroom can be viewed at http://www.aict.ualberta.ca/units/classroom-technologies/smart-classrooms/358-iclickers
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Can't the base find the students' frequency for them? Why do they have to do this work? The other systems seem to make changing frequencies easier for students?
i>clicker considered adopting a protocol where the base would find the frequency for the students instead of asking the students to change the frequency themselves. But i>clicker decided the negatives of such a system far outweighed the benefits. i>clicker's initial reviewer board (users of competing systems) all complained vociferously about students being required to register before using a system. They felt they lost 2-3 classes just trying to get students registered. i>clicker decided to collect and record votes regardless of whether the students were registered or not. Students can register at a much more leisurely pace and professors don't have to take any class time to worry about registration.
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Can I use the receiver and instructor remote for more than one course?
The hardware can be used for as many courses as you like. To use the system with multiple courses, simply copy (or download) a separate copy of the i>clicker software for each course you are teaching. For example, if you are teaching Psychology 101 and Psychology 210, download two copies of the software. Name one folder Psych 101 and the other Psych 210. You can either copy the software from the flash drive you received in your adopter's kit or you can elect to download the software from the www.iclicker.com web site.
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TRAINING
i>clicker provides free web based training: http://www.iclicker.com/dnn/SupportCenter/ScheduleTraining/tabid/175/Default.aspx
i>clicker also offers web demos: https://iclicker.webex.com/mw0305l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=iclicker
For basic training on how to use i>clicker system, contact your local Faculty-based support staff: http://www.elearning.ualberta.ca/click/click_help.php#fac_help
For information on training sessions delivered at the U of A by E-Learning Services, see http://www.elearning.ualberta.ca/click/click_guides.php#training
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INSTRUCTOR BLUE REMOTE
Where do I collect an instructor blue remote?
Contact:
Paul Wilde
Course Materials Manager
University of Alberta Bookstores
Students Union Building
Ph. (780) 492-0433
Fax (780) 492-1726
email: paul.wilde@ualberta.ca
Web site www.bookstore.ualberta.ca
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What is the difference between the blue and white remotes? Can I replace the blue remote if it has been lost?
There are no technical differences between the blue and white remotes. The white remotes are those sold to students (we do not sell the blue remotes to students). Each instructor's adopter kit includes two blue remotes (one for the instructor's remote function and one as a possible loaner to students). There are no technical differences between a blue "instructor's remote" and a white student remote. The color is designed to make it easier for you to keep track of your individual and loaner remotes.
A white remote can be substituted for the blue remote without loss of functionality. If you require a replacement for your instructor's remote, please contact the i>clicker sales department by email at sales@iclicker.com.
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What is the "instructor's remote" and what does it do?
You may program one of your remotes (any i>clicker remote will do) for your own use in class through the i>clicker software. There is no technical difference between an instructor's remote and a regular i>clicker remote; this is all controlled by the software. After designating an "instructor's remote," you will be able to control polling, as well as your presentation, without having to stand near your computer. Rather than interpreting the five choices (A, B, C, D, E,) as student votes, your voting options become control commands and will control certain pieces of the i>clicker polling software.
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How do I enable the "instructor's remote"?
To activate the Instructor's Remote, you must enter the clicker's serial ID (located on the bottom of the back of your i>clicker) in the Designated Instructor's Remote field in General Settings and Preferences. Remember, your earlier entry (Set for Course or Set for Session) determines the length of time your clicker will function as the Instructor's Remote. If you plan to use the Instructor's Remote regularly, we recommend you set the code for the entire course (or term).
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Who will download the software and set-up the hardware in the classroom?
There is no need to have the software installed on the classroom computers. Instructors are advised to save the i>clicker software to a USB drive and plug that into the classroom computer.
AICT Classroom Technologies will be deploying a receiver into all Smart classrooms. The frequency in each classroom is hard-coded so that the instructors in those rooms can automatically use the pre-set frequency. The frequency is be posted in each room so students using the remote will know what frequency they need to set. The frequencies for each Smart classroom can be viewed at hhttp://www.aict.ualberta.ca/units/classroom-technologies/smart-classrooms/358-iclickers
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Is technical support available?
Yes, there is technical support available for instructors as well as students from 9:00 a..m. - 11:00 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday. You can either call i>clicker Technical Support Center toll free at 866-209-5698, or you can send an email with your particular concern to support@iclicker.com
UofA technical support for the instructor receivers of the i>clicker student response system is provided by AICT Classroom Technologies for centrally-scheduled classrooms. AICT Classroom Technologies do NOT provide technical support for i>clicker OUTSIDE of centrally-scheduled classrooms.
The frequencies for each Smart classroom can be viewed at http://www.aict.ualberta.ca/units/classroom-technologies/smart-classrooms/358-iclickers
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REGISTERING STUDENTS
How do students register their remotes?
Registration of student remotes is not required. The usual function of the system is to run anonymous polling in your class. The software still collects results and can be used to start discussions, reinforce difficult concepts, and identify material that is causing trouble.
Registering student clickers will allow you to associate i>clicker responses with particular students. The process for registering stuent remotes is somewhat complex so we have developed a detailed guide: Registering Clickers. The system is entirely local and no information is stored on the i>clicker webite in the U.S. Note that the allocation of participation or performance points for clicker responses is beyond the scope of this tutorial. For information on this topic, consult the User guides in the i>clicker software folders.
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Do my students need to be registered before class?
No, students do not need to be registered in order for i>clicker to collect votes. Responses are automatically associated with the remote ID. If you plan to associate specific student data with their remote ID, you need to prepare a roster file in advance. Consult our tutorial on registering clickers.
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