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Iowa State University

First-time Clicker Users (6 entries)

This group of FAQ is primarily focused on answering the questions of first-time clicker users.

How do I request an individual appointment to learn more about clickers?

To request an individual appointment, please contact CELT at 294-5357 or clickerhelp@iastate.edu.

You will promptly receive a response from CELT staff, who will set up a meeting to guide you through the basics of the ISU standarized solution, TurningPoint (TP) audience response system.

What can I expect to happen at the first individual clicker meeting?

You will be given a free instructor clicker set that consists of a clicker device and a receiver. You will be shown the basics of the TurningPoint software.  Information will be structured to help you get started and make sure you know what to do before, during and after clicker class sessions.

Do I need to purchase the TurningPoint software and hardware?

No. If you teach a for credit course at Iowa State and notify CELT of your intention to use clickers, you will be given a free clicker set that includes a receiver and a clicker device. You must return the clicker set at the end of the semester. Your students must purchase clicker devices.

Am I expected to bring my laptop to my individual clicker meeting?

Yes. You must have administrative access in order to install the TurningPoint software on your laptop.

You can download TurningPoint for free from the Download Clicker Software page.

I am a Mac user. What should I know about using TurningPoint and clickers?

Mac users must not upgrade to Microsoft Office 2008. Only Miscrosoft Office 2004 will function correctly with the Mac version. Additionally, the Mac version of TP does not have several advanced functionalities found in the PC version of TP.

To download the Mac version of TP, see Download Clicker Software.

I've had my individual clicker meeting, now where do I turn for more help?

First, check Common Issues in Clicker FAQ. Additionally, CELT staff will be happy to work with you if you call at 515-294-5357 or email clickerhelp@iastate.edu.

Common Clicker Issues (8 entries)

This is a reference point for common clicker issues. Please check these before writing the clicker help line or calling CELT.

What are the most current versions of TurningPoint (TP) and where I can download the software?

The most current version of TP for PC is TurningPoint 2008 (version 4.2.0.9210). It integrates with both MS Office 2003 and 2007. If your receiver does not work with this version of TP for PC, please contact the clicker help to upgrade your hardware.

The most current version of TP for Mac is TurningPoint for Mac (version 1.2.0).

Download TP for Windows or Mac from the Download Clicker Software page.

What are the limitations of TP for Mac?

TP for Mac only integrates with MS Office 2004. It will not work with MS Office 2008. TP for Mac will have trouble running correctly if both versions of MS office are installed on your machine.

The following are the limitations of TP for Mac:

  1. Absence of interactive slides for team work;
  2. Scarce choice for TP objects;
  3. Manual opening of the polling.

How often should participant lists be downloaded?

It is a good practice to frequently update participant lists at the beginning of the semester as students add to the course and take time to register their clickers. Once the class list is stabilized in the middle of the semester, the same participant list can be utilized.

Make sure you select the correct particpant list when running a polling.

I downloaded the most recent participant list and ran a polling. Several students tell me they did not receive their clicker points after I uploaded the results to WebCT. How do I help these students?

To help students who beleive they have registered their clicker device IDs in WebCT, yet are missing their clicker points, check the following:

  1.  Did your students register their clicker device IDs in the WebCT clicker registration page that you set up for them?
  2. If so, did your students scroll down the registration page to see a message in red informing them that registration was successful?
  3. If your students registered minutes before your class, chances are your participant list is not current. it is important to remind that students must register their clickers well in advance.
  4. Student clicker device IDs can be added to the participant list on the spot: TP Participants=> Edit Participant List. Once the correct participant list is selected, click on the Device ID field (column) opposite a participant's name. Enter the clicker device ID manually and save the list.

If none of these helps, please contact clicker help or call CELT Learning Technologies staff at 515-294-5357.

How do I get TurningPoint to automatically open when I launch PowerPoint?

You must always open TurningPoint (TP) from the TP shortcut. To always have TP for PC/Windows loaded when PowerPoint launches, follow these steps:

  1. From TP Tools select Settings.
  2. Select Presentation under the Settings tab.
  3. Navigate to Misc and select True for Add-in Always Loaded.

How do I put points earned from clickers into my WebCT course Grade Book?

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How do I add the Clicker Registration tool to my WebCT course?

To add the Clicker Registration Tool to your WebCT, complete the following steps:

  1. In your WebCT course, click Add Content Link to

How do I download the Participant List for my course?

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Clickers for Students (4 entries)

FAQ specifically for students who use clickers

Where do I buy a clicker for class?

You can purchase a new or used clicker device at Iowa State University Book Store . Instructors who plan to use this technology order clickers together with course textbooks. In the store, clickers are placed by textbooks.

How do I register my clicker device with my WebCT course?

  1. After you log in to your WebCT course, click the Clicker Registration tool on the content page. A new window will open.
  2. Follow instructions to enter your clicker device ID in the space provided. Then hit "Submit".
  3. You should receive confirmation that your device has been registered. Close the window to complete the registration.

How do I connect my clicker once I am in class?

To join the channel:

  1. Press the "GO" button.
  2. While the light is flashing, enter the 2-digit channel code.
  3. Press "GO" again.
  4. To confirm you've joined the channel, press the "1/A" button and the light should flash yellow.

Why don't my clicker points show up in WebCT?

There could be a number of reasons. First check the following:

  1. Did you register your clicker device ID in WebCT? If so, did you enter all the digits at the back of your clicker device correctly? After you enter the clicker device information in WebCT, make sure you scroll down the page to see your registration has been successful.
  2. if you registered your clicker right before your class, chances are your instructor did not download the most current clicker registration information from WebCT. So, register well before your class session.
  3. Does the battery in your clicker work? Check the clicker light and if it is dim, replace the battery in your devicer.
  4. Before responding to interactive questions, have you joined the correct channel? Check this flash tutorial and practice joining the channel.

If none of these helps, please contact your intructor to further troubleshoot.

Clicker Pedagogy (2 entries)

This is a point of reference for common pedagogical situations surrounding the use of audience response technology in classroom settings.

What are the major clicker benefits described in literature?

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The impact of audience response technology on learning and teaching has been described in following terms: Attitude gains. Studies have reported greater student interest towards subject matter ().

Corly clicker video <add link>