Instructional Technology Services supports the use of iClicker audience response systems at SDSU, including iClicker Classic, Reef Mobile (student app), and iClicker Attendance. iClicker is the primary audience response system used at SDSU and is the only solution supported by ITS.
ITS provides iClicker equipment to all interested faculty. Students can purchase a handheld iClicker from Aztec Shops which comes packaged with a 5-year subscription to Reef mobile.
If you’ve made the decision to adopt iClickers for your class, please notify the bookstore every semester so that they order enough clickers.
Getting Started
It’s never been easier to use iClicker in your classroom.
Step 1: Pick up an iClicker Kit
Faculty can pick up an iClicker equipment kit from ITS, located on the first floor of Adams Humanities. The kit contains an iClicker base station, printed instructions and a USB drive that contains the iClicker software for both Mac and PC.
Step 2: Install the iClicker software
Refer to the Quick Start setup guide included in the kit for a set of step-by-step instructions on how to install the software. These instructions can also be found on the SDSU shared iClicker folder. You cannot switch back and forth between PC and Mac software so you must choose one platform before deciding which version to install.
Step 3: Update your Syllabus
Add iClicker information to your Syllabus to let your students know how to register their iClicker and participate in your class. We have created sample syllabus language which you can add to your syllabus. There is a separate version for iClicker handheld only users and for users who decide to use the Reef mobile app.
Try it out!
The instructions provided with the iClicker Kit are designed to help get you started on your own, without additional assistance. Most faculty and TAs find that once they consult the step-by-step instructions, there’s not much to it.
Still Need Help?
If you run into any issues after you’ve tried setting up iClicker by yourself, you can always email us to schedule an appointment with one of our ITS consultants who will help you, we simply ask that you try it first by yourself before scheduling an appointment.
Videos of various procedures can be found on our YouTube playlist.
Looking for interesting ways to use clickers? Try this activity resource guide.
Why iClicker?
More than just an attendance checker, iClicker can be used for knowledge checks, gathering opinions, conversation starters, and other active learning. Students who are reluctant to raise their hand or participate in class are provided with an alternative means of having a voice.
Once purchased, an iClicker handheld device is good for any class using iClickers at SDSU. There is no expiration. A 5-year subscription to Reef, the mobile version of iClicker, comes free when you purchase an iClicker2 remote from the Bookstore.
Features
- iClicker grades can easily be uploaded into the Blackboard Grade Center.
- iClicker generates reports showing how students answered each question.
- iClicker scores can be exported to Excel for additional manual grade manipulation.
Which version of iClicker?
Instructional Technology Services currently only supports the SDSU campus standard audience response system of iClicker from Macmillan Learning. We do not provide support for other audience response system including TopHat, PollEverywhere, or CourseKey.
We support both the Classic (handheld) and Reef (mobile) versions of iClicker, but do not currently support iClicker Cloud. Support for iClicker Cloud is being managed by our campus Macmillan representative. If you would like to use both handhelds and mobile devices simultaneously, please contact us.
Important Notes
If you determine that you will be using iClicker in your class, here are a few more details you should know.
- Notify the Bookstore when you submit your course materials list. It’s the law! (Higher Education Opportunity Act).
- Each semester, make sure you have downloaded the latest version of the iClicker software for your system.
- Every fall semester, we delete all student iClicker registrations and students will need to re-register their remotes every semester.
FAQs
How do I run an iClicker session?
Once the software is configured, simply press the “A” button on the remote or the start arrow on the session polling toolbar.
How do I get the list of students in my class into iClicker?
Once your course is set up, click on “Gradebook” and then “Sync Roster” to obtain a list of students; the list tells you whether each student has a registered a clicker.
How do I upload grades to Blackboard?
Enter your iClicker course, click “Gradebook” and then “Sync Score” to upload grades.
Additional SDSU-based FAQs can be found here, while general iClicker FAQs can be found here.
