Despite some initial problems with software programming and hardware incompatibility, many professors said the remote, portable Classroom Performance System clicker devices that eInstruction produces provide a valuable resource for in-class learning.

Angela Eiel, an eInstruction consultant for higher education, said professors use its devises for a variety of services.

“They can be used for attendance, lessons in class, quizzes, review and tests,” Eiel said. “It’s active, instantaneous feedback.”

Eiel said that with this technology, teachers are able to review material and immediately gage where the class is having problems.

According to Chief Technology Officer for eInstrustion William Johnson, as of August 2006, the University had 2,187 pads registered across 20 different classes.

Johnson said although there was some trouble at the beginning of the year with bugs in the software, technicians were eventually able to upgrade the system and fix all problems.

“We only had 11 [clicker] pads requested to be replaced,” Johnson said. “We are fairly unique in the market in that we are the only company that can update in the field.”

Johnson said that as eInstruction works to develop new products it strives to make the technology more accessible to avoid these problems in the future.

“One of our goals as a company is to make this device so easy to use that my mom could use it,” Johnson said.

Miles Engell, teaching assistant professor for biological sciences, said this ability to acquire fast feedback makes a huge difference in the classroom environment.

“It’s kind of more entertaining,” Engell said. “It wakes the class up and gets them talking instead of just sitting around.”

Johnson explained that the system allows teachers to discover the students’ troubles without forcing anyone to admit their problems in front of the rest of the class.

“These devices fundamentally change the paradigm of the classroom in a way that doesn’t embarrass the students,” Johnson said.

Cameron Alexander, a sophomore in business management and computer engineering, disagreed. Alexander said he has not had a good experience with the clicker devises because his professors fail to understand the technology.

“I have had three different types of clickers,” Alexander said. “Professors need to learn the systems; it takes 25 minutes for some of my professors to take attendance.”Miriam Ferzli, teaching assistant professor for biological sciences, said she has found the devices to be invaluable and the service from eInstruction to be excellent.

“Using this technology, I can provide self-assessment for the students and I can go back and review topics they don’t understand.”

Brandon McIntosh, a junior in agronomy, described a similar experience, but speculated that if used in the right way the devices could have positive results.

“If all the technology was working properly I can see how it could be a valuable interactive resource,” McIntosh said.

Both Engell and Johnson agree that this type of technology is sure to become more prevalent in the future and the University should increase its integration into the classroom.

“I’m surprised that State has been this slow getting on this bandwagon,” Engell said.