UMKC Information Access
→  Instructional Technology Services
→ ROOClicks

General  ▫   Faculty  ▫   Software  ▫   Students  ▫   Support

ROOCLICKS

UMKC has standardized on TurningPoint for our clicker solution. ILE classrooms must be used with this technology because the software and hardware have been added to the ILE rooms. Implement Clickers (RooClicks) to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom.

INDEX
WHAT ARE CLICKERS (ROOCLICKS)?

RooClicks are either hand-held transmitters (available for students to purchase from the bookstore) or Mobile Learning Devices (laptops and smart devices) that help teachers interact with students during lectures. Through interactive question-and-answer sessions, instructors can engage students in course material by providing instant visual feedback to the class. This allows the instructor to collect individual responses from hundreds of students at once and gauge student comprehension.
WHY USE ROOCLICKS?

The use of RooClicks in the classroom has been shown to increase students attention and interest and to increase retention of information presented in lectures.

Using clickers to pose questions that require synthesis of information, such as asking for an opinion on a complex social or ethical issue, promotes critical thinking and helps make learning personal. Additionally, Faculty have used RooClicks to:

  • Save time by substituting for a paper test or quiz.
  • Save time when taking attendance.
  • Poll the class to check understanding of last night's homework with a question(s) over the key concepts.
  • Ask "muddiest point" questions.
  • Gain instant feedback on student understanding.
  • Have students grade peer presentations.
  • Facilitate debate sessions.
SHOULD I USE ROOCLICKS?

Deciding to use RooClicks within the classroom environment should be made only after thoughtful consideration of the learning goals you want to achieve. RooClicks are very effective if your goals are to:

  • Increase student attention and interactivity during a lecture.
  • Allow students to check their comprehension of the lecture objectives and discipline-specific concepts or to check understanding of assigned homework.
  • Make adjustments to lecture material based on the outcomes of polling tests (reinforces a pattern of inquiry, learning, and assessment).
  • Reinforce student preparation for class (reading and homework assignments).
  • Track attendance (particularly useful in large class sections). This should NOT be the only use, however.
Best practices involve:
  • Measurements of students' conceptual knowledge before and after content delivery.
  • Helping students confront misconceptions.
  • Adjustment of the quantity of instructors' daily lecture content based on student responses.
  • Providing explanations of the right answers or why a certain answer was wrong directly after a polling test.
  • Concept questions or questions that require methodical thinking (NOT regurgitation of definitions or simple memory tests).
  • Allowance for peer teaching and assessment of the impact.
Back to Index
WHAT PREPARATION IS NECESSARY?

The decision to use RooClicks should be made at least one semester before classroom implementation. This will give you time for training, content preparation, content revision, trial runs, policy development, syllabus preparation, software installation, n:drive configuration, clicker orders, and classroom equipment preparation.
  • First step: Decide if you will use NXT RooClicks ONLY, Mobile Learning (ResponseWare)where students use their laptop or other smart device, or allow either to be used.

  • Second step: Contact ITS@UMKC.edu. You will be requested to provide information that includes the course name, number of sections, number of students and the classroom number to be sure that the ILE room your class will be held in is set up properly for you and your students.


    • If you are going to use Mobile Learning (ResponseWare),ask ITS to set up a ResponseWare account so that you will be able to log in and get the session number for your course.

  • Step Three: Order the NXT RooClicks needed for your students from the Bookstore just as you do textbooks.
Remember that Mobile Learning (ResponseWare) can be used along with NXT RooClicks so students that have already purchased NXT RooClicks will be able to use them in your class.
FERPA COMPLIANCE

With 100% compliancy with FERPA, sensitive student records received through Blackboard are both safe and secure.

  • Students register their RooClicks in Blackboard.
  • Faculty can easily download class rosters and load participant lists to track student learning during sessions.
  • Easily upload session data and scores into the Blackboard gradebook.
  • Communicate interactive session results to students via email reports
Back to Index



Was this page helpful to you? → or
Do you like the new website? → or