iClicker Use in Engineering Courses
Many U-M schools and colleges are using iClicker response systems in their courses, including the College of Engineering. Check with your Engineering course instructor to find out if you will need an iClicker for your course.
Purchasing and Buy-back of iClicker Remotes
iClicker remote devices are available through the U-M Tech Shop. Their website contains a full list of locations, dates, times, and accepted payment methods. The Tech Shop will also buy-back iClicker devices that are working and in good condition. Contact the Contact the Tech Shop for more information.
web-clicker Subscriptions
CAEN does NOT recommend purchasing web-clicker subscriptions. Although using a web-clicker may seem more convenient to you than using a separate iClicker device, there are a few important issues to consider:
- Instructors are NOT obligated in any way to enable the use of web-clicker subscriptions.
- For technical reasons, CAEN does NOT recommend that instructors enable web-clicker.
- Your future instructors may require a physical iClicker device.
- A separate, web-enabled device compatible with web-clicker is required for use.
- There will be no end-of-term buy-back program for web-clicker subscriptions.
Other Clicker Brands
Clicker brands other than iClicker will not function with the iClicker system used on campus.
Using iClicker in Class
If iClicker are used to assign points or grades for participation, then students must register their unit on Canvas. Any class requiring an iClicker will include the registration option in its Canvas site in a tool called "iClicker". Once you have registered for a class, the clicker can be identified as yours by the instructor's software.
- Once in class, simply turn the unit on (bottom button) when polling begins. A blue Power light indicates the unit is working. The handheld iClicker for students is very reliable and easy to use.
- When voting, the Vote Status light will flash green for a successfully transmitted answer, or red if an answer is not accepted because polling is closed or the clicker is using the wrong frequency code. Even in the largest campus classrooms, clicker range should not be an issue.
- The user may vote multiple times, only the last transmitted vote will be counted.
- The Low Battery light will flash if battery power is low.
- When replacing batteries, be sure to replace all three AAA batteries. Replacing only one or two may cause performance problems and decrease battery life.
- To save battery life, turn off your clicker at the end of class. The clicker will also automatically shut off after a period of inactivity.
Sharing iClicker Devices
Students that are not in the same class may share a clicker device. Each student will need to register the clicker on Canvas to earn points or grades for participation. It is not possible to share a clicker device in the same class as only one answer per device/per question is tracked by the system.
Troubleshooting
If you have difficulty getting your iClicker to work, replace all three of the batteries. Energizer AAA batteries are recommended by iClicker, and are available for purchase at the U-M Tech Shop.
If the iClicker still does not operate, you may need to exchange it for a replacement. Remember that if you get a replacement iClicker after the beginning of the term, you will need to update your registration information in Canvas, and inform your instructor so they can update the information in their copy of the i>grader software. Failure to do this will result in your iClicker responses and scores not being recorded by your instructor.
Further Information
The LSA Technology Services group provides an online iClicker Resources page that covers the U-M specific details, including frequently asked questions for students. Note that some details in that document may be specific to LSA.