As always, the iClicker team has been hard at work creating new features, all designed to enhance what you can do with your students in your classroom. Check out everything we’ve debuted recently, and remember: iClicker Cloud 6.0.0 is the current minimum required supported version of instructor software.   iClicker AI Question Creator     Available now at https://questioncreator.iclicker.com/login, and coming soon to iClicker Cloud instructor website With the new AI Question Creator, you can effortlessly generate novel, dynamic iClicker questions in minutes. iClicker crafts questions that align perfectly with your course goals, ensuring your polls, quizzes, and assignments accurately reflect students' comprehension and critical thinking skills. With the ability to deploy new questions in seconds, you can assess students’ true understanding during class time – without worrying about them having seen the questions beforehand.     Formula/Symbol Question Type      Available now in iClicker Cloud 6.1.0 The new iClicker Formula/Symbol question type lets students respond with equations, mathematical expressions, symbols, and Greek letters. This feature, ideal for STEM instructors, allows for more complex polling questions, offering a deeper challenge than Multiple Choice.                     Other Polling Enhancements   Available now in iClicker Cloud 6.1.0 Short Answer Polling questions now have an option to make responses case sensitive.  Short Answer and Numeric questions offer the ability to grade by using the +Add Correct Answer option as an alternative to clicking the student responses. This option replaces the previous “Other Response” input that was used to indicate that none of the student responses are correct. A new course setting for Polling allows instructors to skip the screen capture window selection dialog and image preview popup.    Confidence Mode Available in iClicker Cloud 6.0.0 and above   Are students answering confidently or are they taking an educated guess? iClicker Cloud's Confidence Mode feature encourages students to reflect on their in-class responses and provides instructors with instantaneous insight into student comprehension. You can find confidence mode in the polling tab of your software under the “more” option.    Coming Soon iClicker Events Feedback Events will include the option to request feedback from participants after ending the event. This feature will be released as an automatic update for version 6.1.0; no new download will be needed. When released, events run using older Cloud 6.0.0 will always send participants a request for feedback without offering the option to end without feedback.         Roster and Grade Sync Performance and Participation Scores   Roster and grade sync (RGS) integration will offer additional options to sync participation and performance points individually. This new setting is available whether you choose to sync a single iClicker grade or individual activity scores. This feature will be available automatically via the instructor website upon its release.               Affordability Reminders for Fall 2024 If your institution does not have a site license, remember these tips to help with student affordability: iClicker is included with Achieve at no additional cost to students. New iClicker remote purchases include a 5-year iClicker student app subscription. No remote needed? Students should set up their accounts via the web app for the most affordable option. ... View more

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of education, meet Matt Evans – a physics and astronomy professor at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. From dusty transparencies to the excitement of PowerPoint's debut, Matt's journey reflects a commitment to keeping education fresh and engaging. Central to his arsenal of teaching tools is the iClicker, a nifty gadget that bridges the gap between instructor and student. With iClicker in hand, Matt fosters a sense of community where every voice matters. Through targeted questions and real-time feedback, he transforms his 450-seat auditorium into a lively hub of learning, even amidst the challenges of Covid. As Matt shares his insights, one thing becomes clear: in the quest for better education, technology is not just a tool, but a friend guiding us toward brighter horizons. So, let's click our way to a future where learning is interactive, inclusive, and above all, fun! Click the video below to watch Matt Evan’s full presentation from Tech Ed week last year! ... View more

iClicker is undergoing thoughtful enhancements aimed at fortifying your ability to actively engage students and foster stronger connections. Here's a glimpse of what awaits users in 2024, including additional features that are available right now!   Events Currently in a private beta, Events will allow presenters to employ the learning science-backed iClicker features they know and love outside of the classroom. Event participants will not need an iClicker account and can join the session using a QR code in a matter of seconds! If you are interested in joining this private beta during its trial period, please reach out to your sales representative to learn more!   Text Recognition To better support students using screen reader assistive technology, iClicker uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to automatically extract text in question images. The extracted text is available to screen readers both during live polling and after class for review. Text recognition is now available in iClicker upon request! Please contact your sales representative to learn more. To learn more about our commitment to accessibility, please visit our web page for more information.   Confidence Mode   Are students answering confidently or are they taking an educated guess? iClicker Cloud's Confidence Mode feature encourages students to reflect on their in-class responses and provides instructors with instantaneous insight into student comprehension. You can find confidence mode in the polling tab of your software under the “more” option.      Groups iClicker Groups offers a new way to engage with students and allow every voice to be heard. Members of each group are encouraged to collaborate, exchange ideas, and work as a team to reach a consensus conclusion when answering classroom polling questions.  Once you set up designated groups on the instructor iClicker Cloud website, you may then utilize and rearrange students as you see fit throughout the term.         ... View more

Whether you are new to iClicker or a seasoned pro, we reached out to our iClicker experts to reveal some additional usage tips to help instructors at every part of their iClicker process. Here are some of our favorite tips.    Before Class    Set up your Pre-Created Quiz questions. Why? This feature does not function once you have started the software during class. To administer your pre-created quizzes, create them on the web browser first to ensure you can start them in class.   You can, however, start an “on the fly” quiz at any time!   Choose how you want your grades to be synced to your campus LMS.    Why? In your settings, you have the option to sync grades into one column or various columns in your LMS. Make sure you choose your preference before initiating a sync.   Change your mind? No worries! If you want to make a switch midway through the term you can delete the iClicker entries in your LMS and resync grades from iClicker into your LMS gradebook as it suits your preference.       During Class     Plug in your base before starting up your software.    Why? Without plugging your physical base into your computer, it may result in your students having issues connecting to your polling session!    The best method would be the following – open your slide deck, plug in your base, and start up the iClicker Cloud software. Look for the “base connected” message. Once you see that, you are good to get started.        Share the iClicker Student App Troubleshooting Tips article with students Why? If students using mobile devices run into any issues, having this documentation at the beginning of the term will help assist students with technical trouble.   In most cases, closing out of the app and re-opening it does the trick!   After Class    When using integration, before syncing grades to your campus LMS, make sure all grade edits are done in the iClicker gradebook first.  Why? If you make changes to your iClicker grades in your campus LMS you may risk having those changes overwritten by re-syncing grades from the iClicker gradebook and pulling the grades that currently show there.   Our solution? Click the “details” tab in your gradebook to see all student grades and edit them there as needed. Everything highlighted in blue is clickable, and all of your changes stay cohesive via the iClicker gradebook.   Go into the grade book to find your exit poll results.  Why? Well, you want to see your exit poll results, don’t you?   To find your exit poll results, click into your Gradebook, open the details tab, and select an activity.     ... View more

Debi Rutledge adeptly utilized iClicker, an audience response system, in her diversity and cross-cultural psychology class at Rochester University to address the complexities of a diverse student body. The anonymous polling feature facilitated open dialogue on sensitive topics, fostering understanding among students with varying backgrounds. By sharing anonymous responses, Rutledge successfully navigated themes of racial identity and cultural experiences. Additionally, iClicker helped assess spiritual and religious diversity, allowing her to tailor teaching approaches accordingly. The positive outcome, as reflected in exit poll responses, underscores the potential of technology like iClicker in creating inclusive and culturally relevant educational environments. To watch the full video of Debi Rutledge discussing the use of iClicker to accommodate a diverse student population, click the video below! ... View more

Tania Houjeiry's teaching thrives on the transformative power of the iClicker system. Through the twists of class sizes and the tech integration journey, the iClicker emerges as a beacon of engagement. In her 8 a.m. classes, it seamlessly bridges in-person and Zoom, offering flexible learning. Beyond logistics, it's a dynamic tool for gauging comprehension and sparking collaboration. Tania's strategic use goes beyond quizzes; it shapes the learning vibe. Real-time data empowers her to adapt, anticipate, and respond to students' evolving understanding. In Tania's hands, iClicker isn't just tech; it's an instrumental force shaping a classroom where education isn't just taught but shared and dynamically shaped. Click below to watch Tania discuss the benefits of iClicker in her classroom in further detail! ... View more

Let's delve into Tania's teaching methods and her innovative use of iClicker in her chemistry classes at Clemson University. Tania is no stranger to the challenges of teaching large classes, especially in subjects like chemistry. The struggle lies in balancing content delivery with student engagement, but she's found an invaluable ally in iClicker. iClicker is not just any student response system; it's a powerful tool that enhances interaction and learning in her classroom. Tania uses iClicker to gauge student understanding on the spot—and the real time feedback gives her exactly the information she needs. It encourages active participation by giving students a platform to respond to questions without the fear of being singled out or judged. She also highlights the benefits of attending educational workshops, which allow educators to exchange ideas and enhance their teaching methods. It's all about continuous learning and improvement. In a world of ever-advancing technology, Tania's use of iClicker is a shining example of how digital tools can transform the classroom experience. It fosters a dynamic and interactive learning environment, making even large lecture halls feel more intimate. Be sure to catch her in the video below for the full discussion! ... View more

Shay Fuchs, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, Mississauga, recently discussed an active learning redesign in one of his large math courses with Macmillan Learning. The course typically has 400 to 500 students divided into sections, and the traditional teaching approach was yielding unsatisfactory results. They had high dropout rates, low attendance, and a significant number of students failing the course. In response, they completely redesigned the course in September 2018, implementing an active learning pedagogy. The new approach involved students preparing for class in advance by reading and completing pre-class assessments, followed by interactive in-class activities and discussions. The post-class phase included more traditional homework assignments. Shay commends the use of tools like iClicker and Achieve to facilitate this new approach in large classes. This active learning strategy aimed to improve engagement and student performance. The shift in pedagogy from passive lectures to active learning represents a significant change in teaching methodology, and it's an approach that educators in various settings might find relevant and valuable, even if they don't teach large classes. Active learning encourages student involvement and engagement, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes. Watch Shay discuss his experience in depth by clicking the video below! ... View more

Learn how iClicker makes active learning simple! In this video, instructors share how they use iClicker to enable students to answer questions in real-time, effectively assess their comprehension and promote active participation. By integrating IClicker into your classroom, you can facilitate new teaching methods like peer instruction, where students initially respond to questions individually and then engage in group discussions. This method is just one of the many ways iClicker fosters collaborative learning, making the classroom an engaging and interactive environment. iClicker is more than just a tool—it's a catalyst that can help you create a vibrant, participatory, and collaborative learning experience in your classroom.   ... View more

iClicker is evolving to help strengthen how you engage students and create closer connections. Here's what you can look forward to in iClicker Cloud in 2023.   Groups Coming soon! There is abundant evidence that group-based activities have a proven impact on learning and student well-being. However, it can be difficult to manage for instructors and issues persist in assuring equitable and full group participation. With features built-in to help groups vote and reach consensus, iClicker Groups helps manage group exercises in class.               Quizzing Available now! Instructor improvements: Updated Quizzing settings more closely resemble Polling settings, and the process to start a quiz in class has been simplified.   Available now! Student improvements: The experience of taking a quiz more closely resembles responding to a poll or assignment. Navigation between quiz questions and quiz submission have been simplified.   Coming soon! Pre-authored Quizzing makes it easy for instructors to create, administer, and grade digital quizzes for synchronous classes. This new option displays pre-authored questions to students by allowing instructors to upload quiz questions as PDFs.               Screen Capture Coming soon! A new screen capture option allows instructors to share screenshots with students without having to run a poll. Students will have access to the shared lecture slides or other captured content outside of class and can create flashcards or a practice test for review using Study Tools in the student app.   ... View more

We asked some of our super users how iClicker helped them support academic integrity in their classrooms. Here’s what they had to say: “While not seeking to identify potential academic misuse, I use iClicker attendance to  promote timely arrival in class, and polling to ensure that students learn critical facets of all my courses.” -Michael Shapiro, Georgia State University “We use iClicker in the classroom both to inform our teaching and to assess students.” -Ed Lee, Texas A&M “Active learning is extremely important and iClicker makes this possible. More, iClicker facilitates the idea of "skin-in-the-game" with a minimal time investment by the instructor… Lastly, the fact that multiple, numeric, and short answers as well as heat maps are possible is truly a game changer as we can now break free from the constraints and mindsets imposed by multiple-choice questions.”-Mihai Paraschiv, SUNY College at Oswego Interested in ways you might be able to use iClicker to foster an environment where students can practice concepts in a low stakes way and minimize the stress that can lead to cheating? Consider encouraging your students to use Study Tools as a way to prepare without pressure--with no work on your part! Looking for more ideas? Schedule a demo or training to discuss how iClicker could support your class. ... View more

Emphasizing Academic Integrity in Every Classroom    On-Demand New tools have created countless ways for students to cheat – and growing academic and socio-economic pressures have created more reasons for them to do so. some they might not even realize are dishonest. Join the Macmillan Learning team and a panel of experts for a conversation about mitigating cheating by fostering strong academic integrity in students. What You’ll Take Away:  An overview of the state of academic integrity today; An understanding of the value of focusing on promoting integrity over monitoring and punishing cheating; Knowledge of strategies that can be used to emphasize the importance of academic integrity with students View the Recording! ... View more

How iClicker Helps Me Be Flexible, Nimble & Inspired in Multiple Modalities Presentation by Solina Lindahl: California Polytech State University - San Luis Obispo, Economics In this presentation, we hear from the Economics Department lead at Cali Poly State - SLO, Solina Lindahl on how to use iClicker in multiple modalities with teamwork. In a learning environment where professors and students alike are inundated with new classroom technology, it's important to stay flexible, nimble, and inspired. This presentation not only highlights iClicker features that maximize active learning, growth mindsets, student engagement, and a sense of community--but also highlights the importance of turning to learning science and research when designing a course. Watch the presentation below to learn more tips and tricks for implementing active learning with iClicker in your course.  Watch the Presentation Solina Lindahl is the Economics Lead (Cali) and services in the CSU Chancellor's Office. She is a committee faculty rep and co-lead for Equity Learning Community. She serves as the co-lead for Cal Poly's Center for Teaching's "Redesigning the large lecture." Solina is also a faculty mentor and regular recipient of the "Economics Faculty of the Year" award.  ... View more

Promoting Critical Thinking Through Active Learning    Sept. 29 @ 2PM ET Research has consistently shown that active learning strategies require students to use and even develop higher-order thinking skills. Bringing active learning into the classroom can have many benefits, including the ability to help students build and reinforce critical thinking skills. Join the Macmillan Learning team and a panel of active learning experts for a conversation about using active learning strategies to help students analyze information and creatively solve problems.  What You’ll Take Away:  An understanding of how active learning differs from passive learning; an overview of the cognitive skills that active learning can help students develop and practice; ideas for active learning strategies that you can use in your courses that can help support the development of long-term critical thinking skills. Register Now! ... View more

How to use iClicker and Tech Tools to Build Connection with Students and Keep your Sanity Sept. 12 @ 12PM ET Let’s be real: it’s a stressful time to teach. It’s also a stressful time to learn. Connection is more important than ever. Learn how to re-invigorate your class with a few simple tech tools and practices. Register Now! ... View more