Increase participation and student engagement with polling and quizzing

Getting Started

It’s never been easier to use iClicker in your classroom by following the three steps below.

Step 1: Pick up an iClicker Kit

Faculty can use iClicker for free at SDSU by checking out an iClicker Kit from Adams Humanities 1109. Stop by to speak with a staff member or student who can provide you with a kit containing a base station, faculty remote, USB drive and instructions.

Step 2: Download and install the iClicker software

The latest version of the iClicker software for both Mac and PC can be found in our iClicker Google Drive. After downloading the version for your operating system, extract the ZIP file to run this from your computer. You can either install it directly on your laptop if you will be using that, or you can copy it to the included USB drive if you plan on using iClicker on a classroom podium computer.

Step 3: 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 same included step-by-step instructions our staff use that 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 schedule an appointment with one of our consultants who will help you get squared away, we simply ask that you try it first by yourself before scheduling an appointment.

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.

1. Notify the Bookstore when you submit your course materials list. It’s the law! (Higher Education Opportunity Act).
2. Each semester, make sure you have downloaded the latest version of the iClicker software for your system.
3. Every fall semester, we delete all student iClicker registrations and students will need to re-register their remotes every semester.

Support Documentation and Resources

The following guides will help you setup, run, grade, and answer questions about iClicker.

• iClicker Classic Instructions
• iClicker Classic In-Class Setup Checklist
• iClicker Classic Faculty FAQ
• iClicker Classic Student FAQ
• iClicker Classic: Instructor Troubleshooting
• iClicker Official Support Site

Videos of various procedures can be found on our SDSU ITS YouTube playlist.

Looking for interesting ways to use clickers? Try this question and activity resource guide.

Need some language for your student syllabus about iClicker? Check out these documents.

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.