This week I’ve
decided to post a question and give my viewpoint and personal experiences on
student response systems in the classroom.
First, for those who have never
seen or heard of a response system, it is an interactive remote answering device.
There are numerous different types and brands created and used in the
classroom. A well-known response system is called, iClicker.
Picture retrieved from: https://octet.oberlin.edu/classroom-response-system-iclicker-now-available-through-blackboard/
Question:
Do student response systems provide greater positive or negative effects?
I would
have to say I am neutral on this topic. I have had both negative and positive experiences
with the use of student response systems. There are several benefits that the
response systems provide for the classroom teacher. For instance, the immediate
feedback when students respond allows for the teacher to intervene with
specific instruction or students. The response system can be used to complete a
one question exit slip, or a formative assessment with multiple questions. Another
great advantage is the decrease of paper usage. Teachers can depend on the
response system to complete quick quizzes and answer questions during a whole
group lesson without having to print and make daily copies. During my first
experience using the student response system, it provided a sense of privacy
for the students. The system automatically assigns the students numbers based
on their device number, therefore when they respond students are not able to
see who answered what.
On the
other hand, I had some negative experiences using responses systems. One major
downfall I experienced was the battery and connection issues. While using the
devices, the connection of several students would begin to fail. This caused
the process to take much longer then intended to, therefore a quick response
turned into trouble shooting. The
battery also caused issues many times. Students would complain that their
device “died”. It was very important to charge all devices properly before using.
Although, it may seem like this shouldn’t be a problem, but with all the other
devices, materials and work to organize in a day the student response systems
were not on the priority list and tended to be forgotten.
Overall,
I’ve had both positive and negative experiences with the use of student
response systems. In the school, I am at now, we do not have the technological
response systems, but I have incorporated a similar trend called Plickers. This
is a similar tool used with a paper copy QR code indicating multiple choice
answers. The students hold up the individual square sign with their correct
answer facing up. All the teacher needs to do is scan the codes using their
ipad/cell phone. Throughout this approach, I haven’t experienced the same
effects. However, the major problem has been the time and issues caused when
scanning the codes. Sometimes students are blocking the code with their hands,
or the scanner isn’t taking up the student answer quickly.
Retrieved from: http://www.whiteboardblog.co.uk/2015/06/plickers-whole-class-assessment-with-a-single-device/
Although,
I believe student response systems have helped to provide a new way to access
quick responses and feedback, it still is a work in progress. What do you
think? If you haven’t use it, would you consider?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like that you put a question into your blog post! Also, thank you for always posting early in the week! In higher education classrooms, I know that iClickers are a big ticket item that most students don't understand how they work and are a big piece of transfer students' transitions when coming from a state college.
ReplyDeleteI personally use PollEverywhere (https://pollev.com/) as personal response system. It takes a little more setup on the backend, but the student experience is pretty simple. This system is setup so that each student can use their smart phone/device to connect to the question and submit their response. It is an application, and not so much emphasis on the hardware. PollEverywhere also has a plugin and a possibility to download a PPT file with the software included to make the response system work. Check it out and let me know what you think! My students like to see the responses change in real time and how their responses help shape the conversation. - Colleen Smith
Colleen,
ReplyDeleteI know there are many types of responses systems, thank for sharing a personal experience with PollEverywhere. I have never used or heard of this personal response system. You bring up a good point about iClickers and other responses systems, "most students don't understand how they work." That is a major problem and using a tool like PollEveryone seems like a more familiar approach. However, students who do not have access to a personal device, would it work?
Thank you for commenting!
Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteI have also experienced both positive and negative situations when it comes to response systems. I used the iClicker system in college, which worked very well, but now that I've graduated it sits idle somewhere in my closet. I have also seen teachers attempt to use response systems with squirmy first graders who were simply NOT having any of it. I think that when integrated properly, they can be a huge asset to a classroom and to a teacher since many of the devices keep data of the responses. However, there can be technical issues like you mention of batteries and connection issues. Technology always seems to be a double-edged sword, in that regard. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
-Emma Anderson
Emma,
DeleteThank you for sharing your own personal experiences and thoughts on the student response systems. I've never personally used them while I was in school, that is pretty neat that you got a student experience yourself. I'm curious since you stated, "but now that I've graduated it sits idle somewhere in my closet," did you have to purchase your own iClicker or student response system for this course? Was this a requirement?
You also bring up a point, all seems to cause issues, having patience and learning how to work around them is the key.
Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have always wondered how efficient digital response systems truly are. I teach second grade and I would love to incorporate digital response systems, but I'm always so fearful of the amount of time it would take 18 seven year olds to pick an answer. I definitely, think digital response systems would work at a quicker speed in middle or high school classrooms. I also tend to shy away from digital response systems because I'm not very tech savvy and trouble shooting would just be me wasting my the time of the students. I know this is not along the lines of technology, but I have my students play a round of four corners when answering multiple choice questions. The students have an opportunity to get out of their seats think and move to the corner they feel is the right answer. I also love calling on one of them to hear their justifications for choosing a particular corner. I definitely want to try digital response systems in my class next year. I would like to plan it out before incorporating it into the lesson. Thanks for posting such a detailed point of view on digital response systems. I can see why you are neutral on the topic.
Simone,
DeleteAlthough I presented some negatives I experienced using the response systems, I do recommend them. However, you make a valid point, they probably could be more time efficient in a secondary classroom, but younger students could surprise you with the knowledge they have with technologies. If you find yourself curious on whether they may work for your second grade class or not, I recommend trying the Plickers I discussed at the end of my post. They work similarly to the technological ones however it is just a paper with a QR code. I use them now with my third graders and they work great.
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ReplyDelete