Student Response System - Using iClickers (for Instructors)


Introduction

Using iClicker in large classes increases student attendance and interaction. 

iClicker is one of two real-time student response systems at Virginia Tech. The other is Top Hat. 

For student instructions, see Student Response System - Using iClickers (for Students).

Contents

Instructions

Comparison of Student Response System (iClicker) / Active Learning Platform (Top Hat)

Feature iClicker Cloud Top Hat
Instructors present slides in the app ✓ ✓
Instructors can quiz students ✓ ✓
Students must purchase remotes optional  
Students can use mobile devices ✓ ✓
Data stored in the cloud ✓ ✓
Roster auto-syncs with Canvas ✓ ✓
Instructors can take attendance based on student device location/GPS ✓ ✓

Please note that iClicker Cloud has replaced iClicker Classic as the single supported iClicker instructor software as of January 2024. For more information on the transition, see MacMillan's transition webpage.

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iClicker Software Setup

For quick step-by-step instructions on how to set up iClicker for your course, see: Checklist: Getting Started with iClicker Cloud Courses.

Detailed resources are linked in the below table.

Step Resource

Step 1: Create a free iClicker Cloud instructor account

Step 2: Create a course

How to Create a Course in iClicker Cloud

Step 3: Manage course settings

Step 4: Decide how you will add grades from iClicker Cloud to your main gradebook

Instructor Guide: iClicker Cloud Roster & Grade Sync with Canvas

Step 5: Download the iClicker Cloud desktop software

Step 6: Try it out! Practice running a poll in the iClicker Cloud desktop software

How to Run Polls in iClicker Cloud Courses

Step 7: Help your students get started

iClicker Cloud Student Registration Overview & Resources

Step 8: You're ready to go! Use iClicker to keep students engaged in your classes

Allowing iClicker Remotes in iClicker Cloud (optional)

Synchronous activities 

Asynchronous activities

Step 9: Manage class data in iClicker Cloud

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iClicker Hardware Setup

Step Instructions
1. Decide on an iClicker hardware option 

Instructors can collect student response data two ways:

  1. Online polling & student mobile devices
    • No base station needed
    • Instructors collect student responses with iClicker Cloud
    • Students have an iClicker subscription and respond with their mobile devices
  2. iClicker base stations & student remotes
    • Base station needed - see Requesting a Base Station
    • Students purchase iClicker remotes from the Bookstore (and an iClicker subscription if remote does not come with a subscription)
    • Notify the Virginia Tech Bookstore that you intend to use iClicker remotes in your course and include how many students are enrolled
  3. Or both
2. Have Students Register Devices

Direct students to Student Response System - Using iClickers (for Students) for full iClicker instructions. 


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Using iClicker Cloud with Canvas

Please note: The setting up process for iClicker Cloud Sync has changed. The iClicker Cloud Sync tab is no longer an option on the Canvas course navigation menu. Instead, you'll start from the iClicker website.

To integrate iClicker Cloud and Canvas, please follow the directions at Instructor Guide: iClicker Cloud Roster & Grade Sync with Canvas. In this article, you will learn how to:

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Requesting a Base Station

If you allow students to use a physical iClicker remote instead of the iClicker Student app, you'll need to request a base station from TLOS.

  1. Go to the 4Help Portal, click Get Help. Write that you're requesting an iClicker base station from TLOS. TLOS will respond on the incident.
  2. Schedule a pick up for the base station with TLOS via your incident.
  3. Once you have your base station, follow iClicker's instructions to set it up with iClicker Cloud: How to Use an iClicker Base and Instructor Remote in iClicker Cloud

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Troubleshooting

Grades Won't Sync

You can tell what type of syncing problem from looking at the Gradebook page in iClicker Cloud online. Log into iClicker Cloud online, go to the course, and go to Gradebook. 

A Grade Sync column appears in your iClicker Cloud gradebook when you have the integration active. This column displays icons to indicate the grade sync status for each student. The different icons and their meanings are summarized below.

The image shows a column of 4 icons that can be displayed in the Grade Sync column in the iClicker gradebook and what they mean.

Synced Wrong Class Section
  1. From the iClicker Cloud instructor website, navigate to your course.
  2. Open the course Settings and go to the Integrations tab.
  3. Click Disconnect to remove the course.
  4. Follow the instructions to Set up your iClicker course again and click on the correct course.
Ran Poll Through Wrong Class

Contact iClicker Support. They can move the grade file to the correct class.

Geolocation Issues with Students

If you've enabled geolocation for an iClicker session, students may be blocked from joining due to a geolocation issue even if they are in the right location. To troubleshoot, please have students follow the instructions under: iClicker Student App Attendance Geolocation Tips.

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Getting Help

Review iClicker Resources:

MacMillan Learning supports iClicker usage and syncing: 

Canvas supports Canvas Grades: 

For other questions: 

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