Clicker Technology in Classrooms

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Arguably, the most important element in a student’s education is class size and one¬-on-one time with the teacher. Right now, states are spending close to $100 million to reduce class sizes in an effort to increase student achievement (Hancock). Most studies and reports on class size by the U.S. Department of Education were conducted from the mid-1980 and late-1990. These studies are not relevant to technology available to campuses today, and do not reflect the average student’s classroom. With the introduction of certain technology, large class sizes are becoming more student-friendly and based less on lecturing. “The most recent technology to catch the attention of [the National Science Teachers Association] is clicker technology—a computer-mediated, wireless response system that holds high promise for helping science lecture hall become an effective student-centered learning environment” (Hatch, Jensen, Moore 36). Clickers are not only effective in science-based classrooms but any classroom throughout a college. They offer the professor the ability to assess how their class is thinking and give immediate feedback to the students. The first problem with traditional lecture form teaching is students are less likely to ask questions and interact with the professor. Long, monotonous lectures lose the full attention of most students very quickly; studies have shown that within ten minutes of a lecture starting students lose attention (Duncan, “Clickers: A New” 73). When clickers are added to a lecture, the professor is able to understand what needs more explanation and can allow the class open discussion among one another. This allows students to communicate with each other and clarify any questions about what is being... ... middle of paper ... ...://www.fool.com/investing/small-cap/2005/08/04/blackboard-ruins-college.aspx>. Pope, Justin. “Scholar Dissects Giant Lecture Classes.” Tulsa World 25 Nov. 2007. eLibrary. ProQuest Information and Learning 20 Feb. 2008 . Ribbens, Eric. “Why I Like Clicker Personal Response Systems.” Journal of College Science Teaching Nov. 2007. General OneFile. Gale Group. 20 Feb 2008 . Twigg, Carol A. “Affordability in Higher Education.” Committee on Education and workforce Hearing. July 10 2003. Federal Document Clearing House. 19 Feb. 2008 http://republicans.edlabor.house.gov/archive/hearings/108th/21st/afford71003/twigg.htm>. Tyre, Peg. “Professor in Your Pocket.” Newsweek 28 Nov. 2005: 46. Yang, Catherine. “Big Programs on Campus.” Business Week 20 Sept. 2004 Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. 20 Feb. 2008 .

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