Lecture clicker

Types of lecture clickers

A lecture clicker, also known as a classroom response system or audience response system, is a device used by students or audience members to respond to questions posed by a lecturer. There are various types of lecture clickers designed to cater to different teaching and learning needs. Below are some key types:

• Basic clickers:

  These are the basic types of clickers with simple features. They are usually used to answer multiple-choice questions. They are user-friendly devices that have a limited number of buttons that allow students to respond to questions by clicking the button to register their responses.

• Bluetooth clickers:

  This type of clicker uses Bluetooth technology to connect to a computer or lecture screen. They are compatible with a wide range of devices since Bluetooth can be used to connect to different devices.

• IR clickers:

  IR clickers use infrared technology to transmit signals from the clicker to the receiver attached to the computer. They are usually affordable and easy to set up and use.

• USB clickers:

  USB clickers are also known as presentation clickers or presentation remote controls. This type of clicker is used mainly for presentations. USB clickers are usually small and portable, making them easy to carry around.

• Wireless clickers:

  Wireless clickers work without the need for physical connections, cables, or wires. They enable the presenter to control the presentation from a distance. This type of clicker is compatible with many devices.

• RF clickers:

  RF clickers use radio frequency technology to transmit signals from the clicker to the receiver. They can be used over long distances and in areas with obstacles. RF clickers are usually battery powered and can be recharged.

• PowerPoint clickers:

  PowerPoint clickers are a type of presentation remote designed specifically for controlling Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. They come with features such as slide navigation, pointer features, and occasionally additional features like timers and vibrate alerts.

• Universal clickers:

  Universal clickers are designed to work with various devices and applications. They come with features such as customizable buttons that can be programmed to perform specific functions on different devices.

Designs of lecture clickers

Various designs of lecture clickers are available to meet the needs and preferences of users. These designs vary in size, shape, color, and other aspects to offer different options for consideration. The most common design is the handheld clicker, which is shaped like a small remote control device that can easily be held in one hand. Its compact size and ergonomic form make it easy to carry around and use during lectures or presentations.

Additionally, there is the pen-style clicker design that resembles a conventional writing pen but has integrated features for responding to questions or controlling presentations. This design allows for greater portability and discretion, making it suitable for situations where space is limited or when users prefer devices that are less conspicuous.

Moreover, tablet-style clickers have larger screens compared to other models, thus enabling users to view more information clearly. These types of clickers usually come with touch screen capabilities, which allow users to interact with their devices more intuitively, just like using a smartphone or tablet computer. Such a design can also be used in classrooms where students need to see things clearly from afar.

Furthermore, there is the integrated lecture clicker, which combines the voting system and the presenter into one device. This type of clicker often comes with a built-in LCD projector screen that displays questions or options for participants to choose from. It also has multiple buttons, allowing for quick selection by participants.

In addition, some lecture clickers include wireless technology features, enabling them to work efficiently without being connected directly to computers or laptops via wires. These wireless lecture response systems allow lecturers and students alike to move freely within a specified range while still maintaining communication between two parties through radio frequency waves or infrared light signals.

Scenarios of lecture clickers

Lecture clickers can be used in different scenarios. Their versatility allows them to be used in different environments and for different purposes.

• Higher education

  In higher education, lecture clickers are used in large classrooms. The audience response system is used to collect student feedback, assess their understanding, and increase their participation. For example, a professor teaching a course in biology to a class of 300 students may use a clicker to ask a question about cell division. Students will answer using their clickers. The professor will know who understood the lesson well and who did not.

• K-12 education

  In K-12 education, clickers are used to make lessons more engaging. Teachers can use them to ask questions, conduct quizzes, and get feedback from students. For instance, a math teacher can use clickers to ask students to solve a problem. Instead of raising hands, students will use their clickers to give answers. This will make the class more interesting and help the teacher know who has understood the concept and who is finding it difficult to grasp the lesson.

• Museum and science centers

  Museums and science centers use lecture clickers to enhance visitor engagement. They are used to interact with exhibits and collect audience feedback. For example, in a science exhibit about climate change, a visitor may be asked to use a clicker to vote on the impact of different human activities on the environment. The exhibit will be more personal, and the staff will know the views of different visitors.

• Corporate training

  Corporate training sessions use lecture clickers to engage employees. They are used to assess knowledge and get feedback. For instance, in a training session on workplace safety, employees may be asked to use clickers to answer questions about safety procedures. The trainers will know who has understood the safety procedures and who has not. This will help to improve the training method and ensure that all employees understand safety procedures.

• Conferences and seminars

  At conferences and seminars, lecture clickers are used to engage participants. They are used to ask questions and collect audience feedback. For example, a speaker may ask a question about a new research trend and ask the audience to respond using their clickers. This will make the session more engaging and help the speaker to know the opinion of the participants on the topic.

How to choose a lecture clicker

Several factors must be considered when choosing the best lecture clicker to ensure that it meets the presenter's needs. The first thing to consider is the range of the presentation clicker. It is essential to think about the size of the venue and the distance between the presenter and the screen. For larger spaces, a clicker with a long-range connectivity, preferably wireless, would be necessary. Another aspect to consider is compatibility. One should check if the clicker is compatible with the devices, such as laptops, projectors, and presentation software. Some clickers work universally, while others are specifically designed for certain brands or models.

The ease of use of the lecture clicker should be considered, too. One should look for a device with intuitive controls and clearly labeled buttons. Ergonomics also matters, so it would be best to choose a clicker that feels comfortable in hand and has a design that allows for easy pressing of buttons. It is also necessary to think about the battery life of the clicker. Opt for models with rechargeable batteries or those that last long on regular batteries. Additionally, consider the features offered by the presentation clicker. Basic models only allow advancing and reversing slides, but some advanced versions come with built-in laser pointers, page-up and page-down buttons, and LCD screens showing the number of elapsed time and presentation slides.

One also needs to think about the brand and price of the presentation clicker. There are numerous brands that offer good-quality clickers, so one must choose the one that is right for them. Additionally, it is necessary not to compromise on quality due to price. If the lecture clicker will be used regularly or for important presentations, investing in a more expensive but high-quality model would be worth it, while cheaper models may suffice for occasional use.

Q&A

Q1. Can lecture clickers work with mobile devices?

A1. Some lecture clickers can work with mobile devices through specific applications. These clickers allow participants to use their smartphones or tablets as remote controls to engage in lectures or polls. They can connect to the presentation system via Bluetooth or the internet. Using mobile devices as clickers can make voting and participation more accessible and convenient.

Q2. How to change the batteries in a lecture clicker?

A2. To change the batteries in a lecture clicker, first identify the type of battery needed, which is usually mentioned in the device manual. Then, locate the battery compartment, often found on the back or bottom of the clicker. Slide or lift it open, remove the old batteries, and insert new ones, ensuring the correct polarity. Finally, secure the compartment.

Q3. What is the wireless range of a lecture clicker?

A3. The wireless range of a lecture clicker typically varies depending on the device and its specifications. Most clickers use radio frequency (RF) technology and can operate within a range of 15 to 100 feet (approximately 5 to 30 meters). This range is usually sufficient for presenters to move around freely in a normal-sized auditorium or classroom without worrying about the connectivity of their devices.

Q4. How can one improve the battery life of a lecture clicker?

A4. To improve the battery life of a lecture clicker, users can turn off the device when not in use, reduce the frequency of using backlighting (if applicable), and use rechargeable batteries to avoid frequent replacements.