Clickers Redefining Classrooms

markmcb writes "It seems that teachers may have a new way to boost classroom participation using a device called a clicker. A clicker is a small handheld device that allows its user to wirelessly respond to various prompts selected by a teacher. So when a teacher wants opinions on topics that people tend to shy away from like sex, religion, and politics, the question can be asked and the students can answer anonymously via the clicker. Everything from a simple poll to a graded quiz can be conducted using the device. In the age of cell phones and wireless computers such a technology is likely to be well-received by students, but one can't help but wonder if such a device will breed less assertive graduates who lack the will to stand up and voice their opinion on sensitive issues."

Re:Heh

[LackaDaisy]

new middle school "hygiene" film... "is little Johnny a h4x0r?"

on the other hand...

[dark404]

but one can't help but wonder if such a device will breed less assertive graduates who lack the will to stand up and voice their opinion on sensitive issues.

Better than breeding graduates who draw dubious conclusions.

Just what we need...

[grahamsz]

Another way to lower the general standard of peoples' communication skills.

I suppose /. doesn't do enough on its own.

So what happens when someone hacks these things?

[DingerX]

A) Empty classrooms with mysteriously full attendance.
B) "clicking tools" now loaded in the standard Auditor distro -- everyone in your frat mysteriously gets all the right answers to the quiz; complaints from the rich kids about their fancy Cross ClickBen getting "Clikjacked".
C) Quiz designed to overcome high school shyness about sexual topics mysteriously reveals entire cheerleadng squad turns out for backdoor antics with donkeys.
D) Awkward Teacher/Student and Student/STudent interaction replaced with Awkward User/Technology interaction.

Ahh, a generation of Harpo Marxes

[SuperKendall]

I can just see it now:

CEO: "Bob, what do you think of my highly controverisal proposial for the realignment of the company?"

Bob: Click!

CEO: "What the hell does that mean?"

Bob: Click!

CEO: "I see. Well it seems Bob here isn't afraid to speak up like the rest of you spineless SOB's . You're all fired; Bob - you're my new Number 2"

Bob: Click!

Ok, perhaps they face a brighter future than I imagined. Where can I get this clicker retraining, and is there a clicker conference soon?

Re:Just a thought...

[djmurdoch]

What would you think about a device so that students could submit written answers anonymously?

e.g. "I disagree with idea X because it would negatively impact Y's ability to..."

Or more likely,

"Fr1st p0st!"

Anonymity is important sometimes, but it rarely improves rational discussion.