Student engagement does not look the same today as it did even five years ago. Student expectations have changed, learning formats are more flexible, and technology plays a bigger role in how students participate. Instructors are balancing ever growing lists of demands. At the same time, the research is clear: students learn more when they take an active role in their learning. That means today’s classes, wherever they take place, need tools that not only invite interaction but also make it easier for instructors to manage engagement in real time. iClicker has evolved alongside the many changes in higher education, offering a modern student engagement toolkit that extends well beyond its original roots in polling. With just one platform, instructors can check attendance, launch a variety of polls, capture emoji style reactions, and even keep students focused. Polling That Fits Any Question Type Polling has always been central to iClicker, and it has grown into a flexible toolset that supports different teaching goals. Instructors can choose from short answer, numeric, target, formula/symbol, multiple choice, multiple answer, and exit poll questions to check comprehension, spark debate, or surface misconceptions. What makes polling especially effective today is its flexibility. You can: Plan polls in advance by working questions into your lecture materials Launch spontaneous questions on the fly Use the AI Question Creator to generate new questions instantly You don’t need to upload materials into a new platform. iClicker works with the content you already use in class. How to run polls in iClicker Reactions That Capture the “Vibes” Learning is not always about choosing the correct answer. Sometimes what matters most is how confident, curious, or confused students feel in the moment. With iClicker’s emoji-style reactions, students can quickly share those signals in real time. These simple gestures help instructors: Instantly gauge the mood of the class Notice confusion or curiosity before it grows into frustration Encourage quieter students to participate without speaking out loud Build stronger connections by acknowledging student energy and engagement Reactions are a low-lift way to keep a steady pulse on the classroom, making interaction feel more natural. Attendance: The Modern Roll Call Taking attendance might seem like a small task, but it plays a big role in keeping students connected. With iClicker, attendance becomes a modern-day roll call. Students check in quickly from their devices, giving instructors an accurate record without interrupting the flow of class. Over time, these records reveal useful patterns around who is consistently showing up. This matters more than ever in an era when many students feel that showing up is optional. Consistent attendance not only keeps them engaged with course content, but also reinforces accountability and a sense of community in the classroom. Attendance is more than a box to check. It is an early signal of engagement, and with iClicker, it is easier than ever to capture. How to take use iClicker’s Attendance feature Focus Mode That Supports Attention Distraction is a challenge in any learning environment. Focus Mode helps students monitor their own attention by showing how much time they are engaged in iClicker compared to other apps during class. It is not necessarily about tracking students’ every move. Focus Mode: Promotes self-awareness of study habits Gives instructors a sense of when attention tends to dip Encourages conversations about pacing and classroom expectations How to Help Students Stay on Task with iClicker Focus One Toolkit, Many Ways to Engage Student engagement has evolved, and instructors need flexible tools that fit naturally into their teaching. With polling, reactions, attendance, focus mode, and participation tracking in one place, iClicker makes it easier to keep students active without adding to prep time. Engagement today is about variety and adaptability. iClicker provides a modern toolkit that supports both, helping instructors meet students where they are and bring more voices into the learning process. Log into iClicker or create your account today ... View more

Picture a familiar scene: you pose a question to the class, and the same two or three hands go up right away. Their answers may be strong, but what about the students who stay silent? Some may be following along but unsure. Others may have a different perspective but hesitate to speak up. Over time, those quieter voices can fade further into the background. Creating a classroom where every student can participate means offering more than one way to respond. Some students thrive in open discussion, while others prefer low-stakes, less visible options. That is why iClicker includes multiple polling styles, anonymous response options, confidence ratings, and even emoji-style reactions. These choices give students a range of ways to share, whether it is signaling agreement with a reaction or weighing in on a question without attaching their name. Simple checks like a quick reaction or a confidence rating can surface perspectives you would not otherwise hear. Instead of relying on the same voices, you can gather input from across the classroom and guide discussion with a fuller picture of how students are engaging. Some ways to draw out quieter students might look like this: Start small with a quick anonymous poll or emoji reaction to lower the barrier to participation. Check confidence levels to see where students may need reassurance or clarification. Invite reflection by posing a short, low-stakes question that connects to their own experiences. Build on responses by highlighting insights from quieter students, showing their contributions matter. Encourage variety by alternating between poll types and open discussion so every student has a way into the conversation. Engagement is not about rewarding the loudest or most confident students. It is about creating space for every learner to participate in a way that feels comfortable to them. Takeaway: By expanding the ways students can respond, you create a more inclusive learning environment and enrich class discussions with the voices of all students. ... View more

A common concern among instructors is the time it takes to plan engaging lessons. Active learning has a reputation for requiring hours of preparation, new materials, and carefully designed activities. For many educators, that workload feels unrealistic on top of everything else they have to manage. The good news is that keeping students engaged does not always require major planning. Small interactions sprinkled throughout class can make a big impact, and those interactions can come directly from the materials you already use. A slide deck, a chart in a reading, or a current event mentioned in class can all serve as natural prompts for participation. With iClicker, you can turn these teaching moments into quick opportunities for engagement. You do not have to upload content into a new platform or build a separate activity library. You can poll students directly from your slides or ask spontaneous questions that emerge in the flow of lecture. And when you want extra support, the AI Question Creator helps generate questions instantly so you can focus on teaching students. If you are curious to try it, here are a few simple ways to start: Launch one short, low-stakes poll to encourage participation. Add a confidence check to see where students are unsure. Use the responses to decide whether to review or move forward. Takeaway: Active learning does not need to add hours of prep. By using the materials you already teach with iClicker, you can create engaging moments that fit naturally into your class. ... View more

It’s not always easy to keep tabs on how engaged students are. A usually active student might stop raising their hand for a few classes in a row. Another may quietly lose confidence without signaling that they need help. With dozens of students in a room, these small shifts can be hard for one instructor — or even a teaching team — to notice in time. iClicker helps by making engagement more visible. Attendance shows who is coming to class. Polling highlights whether students are participating. Confidence ratings reveal how secure students feel in their understanding. Together, these signals give instructors a clearer picture of what is happening in the moment. For instance, if participation in polls starts to drop, that may indicate a topic that needs reinforcement. If confidence ratings trend low, it can be a sign to revisit the material or adjust pacing. By responding to these signals early, instructors can prevent small dips in engagement from becoming bigger barriers to learning. Getting started is simple: Use attendance to build a baseline. Add short polls to check comprehension. Watch for patterns in confidence ratings to guide in-class adjustments. Create an iClicker instructor account. Takeaway: Engagement can be difficult to monitor, but tools like iClicker give instructors timely insight to keep students connected and on track. ... View more

You’ve prepared thoughtful, well-crafted questions for your class. You pose one, wait for a response... and hear nothing. Even good questions can fall flat, not because they lack value, but because students often feel anxious about speaking up, worry about being wrong, or prefer to stay quiet in front of their peers. iClicker helps break that silence by giving students safer ways to participate. Anonymous polling and confidence ratings let students share what they really think without fear. Instructors often find that when students can respond privately, participation increases dramatically. How to Run Polls in iClicker Even a quick, low-stakes poll can uncover valuable insights. You might discover that students are split on a concept you thought was clear, or that they hold different perspectives on an issue you expected consensus on. These moments create natural entry points for discussion, turning silence into curiosity and sparking the kind of debate that deepens understanding. To build on that momentum, consider varying the types of questions you ask. Prediction prompts, “what if” scenarios, or opinion-based checks often encourage more authentic engagement than factual questions alone. With iClicker, these approaches are easy to implement in real time, giving students low-pressure ways to respond and helping you create a classroom environment where every voice has space to be heard. Takeaway: Silence in class doesn’t mean students are disengaged. By creating safer opportunities to contribute, you can unlock interaction that transforms the learning experience. ... View more

The latest version of iClicker Cloud (v7.1) introduces new features that support real-time engagement, flexible pacing, and better classroom insights. These tools were developed with instructor feedback in mind and are designed to keep your lessons dynamic while reducing logistical friction. Here’s what you’ll find in 7.1: Reactions Feature: Students can now share emoji-based feedback during class! Whether it’s a thumbs up, a question mark, or a moment of confusion, Reactions offer a quick and anonymous way for students to communicate without interrupting you. Instructors are already using Reactions to check comprehension, adjust pacing, and create a more responsive learning environment. Independent Timer Tool: Add structure and flexibility to class activities with our new Timer tool. Whether you're running a discussion, practice quiz, or short reflection, the timer keeps everyone on track—without requiring separate apps or classroom tools. Confidence Mode: Gauge not just what students selected, but how confident they are in their responses. This feature helps promote metacognition and surfaces areas where students may need more support. AI Question Creator (with Document Upload!): Our enhanced AI tool now allows you to upload a document (like a syllabus or reading) and generate polling questions in seconds. You can edit and save questions directly, making it easier to bring active learning into class prep. These tools work together to support a smoother, more insight-driven classroom. Less time managing, more time teaching. To take advantage of these features, instructors must use version 7.0.0 or newer of the iClicker Cloud desktop app. Updating gives you: Stronger desktop/cloud sync and session stability Compatibility with modern operating systems and devices A refreshed user interface built for faster, smoother in-class use The latest update also sets you up for future enhancements—like attendance sync, coming soon. View the iClicker Cloud Release Notes Try Web-Based Polling — Now in Beta! We’ve just launched iClicker Web Polling (Beta), a new way to use iClicker directly from your web browser—no desktop download required. Just go to the iClicker instructor website, click “Start Class,” and begin polling in seconds. This new feature is perfect for instructors who need fast, flexible polling options on the go or in less traditional classroom settings. Learn More About Web Polling Whether you're teaching in person, online, or somewhere in between, iClicker is ready to help you foster connection and engagement this fall. Questions or feedback? Reach out—we’d love to hear how you’re using these features in your own classroom. ... View more

What happens when we stop grading just for accuracy and start grading for learning? In this thoughtful Coffee with Colleagues conversation, instructors shared practical strategies for shifting from traditional grading to a feedback-rich, growth-minded approach. Learn how to encourage risk-taking, support neurodiverse learners, and implement ungrading techniques that prioritize student progress over perfection. Explore the full summary here! ... View more

Data isn't just for administrators—it’s for instructors who want to make every class session count. In this session, educators unpacked how Achieve’s powerful analytics tools can help track engagement, identify at-risk students, and fine-tune instruction in real time. Whether you’re looking to boost student outcomes or simply streamline your workflow, this conversation is full of actionable ideas. Get the insights here! ... View more

Coffee with Colleagues is a casual, collaborative webinar series where instructors come together to share real-world teaching experiences, explore educational tools, and exchange practical strategies. Each session is designed to spark fresh ideas and foster community among educators—all over a virtual cup of coffee. We will provide you with the top tips and tricks that were taken away from each session. Read below for insight into designing a low-stress classroom for your students—our first event of the semester! How can we design learning spaces that are both rigorous and relaxing? This session tackled that question head-on, with instructors swapping strategies for building community, using humor and music, and making assessments feel less intimidating. If you’re aiming to reduce anxiety and boost motivation in your classroom, this content is a must-read. ... View more

Cultivating Belonging Through Assessments: Ensuring Every Student Feels Valued Presented by Dr. Jill Dahlman and Dr. Scott Cohn Assessments are a powerful tool not only for measuring student progress but also for fostering a sense of belonging. This session explores how assessment strategies can be designed to ensure every student feels included, valued, and supported in their learning journey. You’ll discover how to use AI to create personalized, accessible assessments and provide feedback that encourages growth and connection. Leave with practical, actionable strategies to build an inclusive environment where assessments reflect the diversity of your students and help them thrive.   Watch the recording ... View more

Authentic Assessments for Every Discipline: Engaging Techniques That Reflect Real-World Learning Presented by Dr. Charlotte de Araujo, Dr. Jill Dahlman, and Troy Joseph Authentic assessments are key to preparing students for real-world challenges by evaluating their ability to apply knowledge in practical, professional contexts. This session will show how AI can streamline the creation of authentic tasks, analyze student responses, and provide personalized feedback. Leave with actionable strategies and AI tips to design assessments that not only measure learning but also mirror the demands students will face after graduation.   Watch the recording ... View more

Tackling Stress and Anxiety: Strategies For Resilient Students Presented by Christine Mancuso and Julie Moore Supporting students through stress and anxiety doesn’t have to add to your workload. This session offers practical techniques to help students manage mental health challenges while staying engaged and motivated. Discover how AI can simplify creating low-stress assessments, streamline feedback, and personalize support for struggling learners—all while giving you more time to connect with your class. Leave with actionable strategies to build a calmer, more resilient learning environment where students can thrive.   Watch the recording ... View more

Fostering belonging with AI Presented by Erika Martinez Creating an inclusive classroom is more important than ever, and AI tools can help make it easier. This session explores how to foster a sense of belonging for every student, with practical tips for designing activities, assignments, and communication strategies that support diverse learners. Learn how AI can streamline tasks like creating personalized materials or facilitating peer engagement, freeing up time to focus on what matters most: building connections and making every student feel seen and supported. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and a new confidence in using AI to enhance your teaching.   Watch the recording ... View more

Taking AI Integration to the Next Level Presented by Ellen Moore and Jill Bonds Ready to go beyond the basics of AI in the classroom? This advanced session will explore practical strategies for gaining buy-in from reluctant colleagues, integrating AI tools into your syllabus, and managing classroom dynamics with ethical, accessible AI practices. Learn how to support students, streamline tasks, and foster inclusivity while preparing for the future of AI in education.   Watch the recording ... View more

Discover the transformative power of authentic assessment with the enlightening video, "Unlocking Potential: Achieve and Authentic Assessment." Join educational experts as they delve into dynamic strategies that revolutionize student learning. Erika Martinez from the University of South Florida reveals the innovative use of in-class response systems like iClicker, which not only capture real-time insights but fundamentally elevate students' learning experiences. Christin Monroe of Landmark College presents an intriguing argument for unlimited assessment attempts, inviting students to dive deeply into the material and refine their understanding in a supportive environment. Additionally, Matthew Ingram of Dakota State University discusses the flexible nature of learning curve quizzes that tailor progress tracking and inspire tailored instructional changes. Tune in to witness how Macmillan Learning tools champion engaging and effective assessments, empowering educators to unlock every student's potential. Click below to watch! ... View more