For this course you will be required to purchase and use an I-Clicker from the bookstore. They are sold new for about $35 at the downstairs counter in the UMC bookstore and the Colorado Bookstore on the Hill. You will be able to sell your clicker back to the bookstore at the end of the semester for about half price, but since this model is the new campus standard clicker and the number of classes using I-Clickers at CU is increasing at a geometric rate, you will probably need one for another class.
Unlike the older style infrared clickers, the I-Clickers operate by radio waves and hundreds of answers can be received and recorded each second. Batteries should last all semester but the clicker has a warning light when the batteries are running low. You should write your name and phone number on a small piece of paper and attach it to the clicker with Scotch tape. (You would be amazed at the number of clickers left in classrooms each day and it is not to easy to trace the owner from the clicker number.) You may also use the same clicker for multiple courses if you are taking more than one clicker course this semester; however, you need to be sure to register your clicker EACH SEMESTER (not for each course).
Throughout the semester, you will answer multiple-choice questions in class by pressing the button on your clicker corresponding to their answers. Receivers in the classroom are connected to a PC and this system records your answer and displays summaries of how the class answered. Questions will cover the readings and the lectures. I will use these responses to guide the lecture and to clarify confusing material. Typically, I will have 4 questions per class. Some will need to be answered separately and for some, you can consult with your classmates to reach a consensus.
Make sure to bring the I-clicker to class each day.
I decided to use a I-clicker system in lieu of a textbook so the costs for the course are reasonable for the students. Note that 20% of the overall grade is assigned by clicker responses in class.
Important:
To use the clickers in class, you must first register your clicker here:
http://www.iclicker.com/registration/
Enter your first name, last name, student ID and clicker ID. The clicker ID is found on the bottom back of the clicker. You will be prompted to enter a number before sending the data.
IMPORTANT: enter the 9 digit student ID without hyphens or spaces like this 123456789, not like this 123-45-6789
A single student can register more than one clicker for the same class ญญ--- for instance, if a student loses the first clicker and must register a second one later in the semester. The scores registered for the first clicker will be carried over to the second one.
For questions, contact the Lead TA or the Instructor.