Now that the iPads are rolling out at most schools (and we’re discussing BYOT), I’d like to remind everyone of a couple of FREE options for using the iPads and other devices as student response systems (clickers). Remember, it’s not about the devices …. It’s about changing the way we teach and learn! How much more will students learn if we engage EVERY student to respond to EVERY question? These options are both very easy to use (probably easier than the original clicker software).
The first option is a website called Socrative.com. Any device that will access the internet can be used as a student device: iPad, laptop, classroom computer, computer lab, smartphone). The teacher can run it from the internet on their computer. No installation of programs or apps necessary on the teacher computer. There are iPad apps available for both the teacher mode and student mode. You can see the demo video at this link: http://www.socrative.com/video-page
The second option is called PollEverywhere.com. This one is also easy to use, allows polling, multiple choice questions, free response. The basic package is free and can be used for general instruction. You are limited to 40 students per class but would have to start a new poll for each class if you teach middle or high school. In order to get detailed reports by student you would need to purchase a paid version for $50 per classroom per year (basically $5 per month of school). This can be used with any device that will access the internet, plus has the ability to use basic phone texting. Even students without smartphones would be able to use their basic cell phones (so long as they had texting in their phone plan). You can access a video demo of this at: http://www.polleverywhere.com/#video
What if …. every student had to formulate a digital response to your essential question and you had a digital record of it? (Without stacks of paper?)
What if …. the “ticket out the door” was a digital response sent to your computer?
What if …. you could check homework answers within minutes or do review a review quiz from yesterday and know instantly if the class “got it” and you can move on?
What if …. the student who is afraid to ask a dumb question could ask a question digitally, without even raising his hand?
Oh … and do I need to say it again …. FREE?!
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