Research suggests that students engage more deeply and retain more when active learning strategies, such as peer instruction are used (Crouch, Watkins, Fagen & Mazur, 2007; Beatty, Gerace, Leonard & Dufresne, 2006 cited in Zingaro, 2010). Technologies such as i>Clicker can be used to support active learning teaching methods, such as peer instruction. i>Clicker is an audience response system in use at University of Toronto Mississauga for the past 10 years. It is used by UTM instructors in various disciplines to
- assess student knowledge;
- provide immediate feedback;
- increase learner engagement and participation;
- encourage discussion; and,
- focus student attention.
The key to i>clicker’s success has been the simplicity of its design and ease of use. It is integrated with Portal (Blackboard), the institutional Learning Management System, so students can register their handheld units directly in their online course shell and grades can be easily synchronized.
Please join us on Thursday March 3, 2016 to learn more about how you can use i>clicker to engage with students in your courses and for a brief introduction to the new cloud-based REEF system that allows students to respond with a smart phone, tablet, laptop or computer. There will be plenty of opportunity to practice and provide your feedback.
If you have an accommodation need for this meeting due to a disability, please email Simone Laughton at simone.laughton@utoronto.ca and we will do our best to make appropriate arrangements.