by Chris Higgins

Spring 2009 brings a new alternative that allows your students to fulfill any class requirements for clickers by using mobile devices they may already own. Any mobile device that has a Web browser will work, meaning that a laptop or a smartphone (a phone with a Web browser, a data plan, and WiFi capability, like an iPhone or BlackBerry) can be substituted for the clicker devices that normally must be purchased at the University Book Center. A PDA such as a Palm or an iPod touch can also be used as long as it is wireless compatible.

This new option is made possible by using ResponseWare Web (RWW). RWW’s use on campus was piloted last fall as part of the university’s Mobility Initiative, and has generated very positive feedback so far. One thing to be aware of is that it does require access to the wireless network on campus, or to a cellular signal for the smartphones. Wireless is available in all university classroom buildings.

To use a mobile device as a clicker in class, the student will need to purchase a RWW license, activate the license online, and then register his or her device through the MyUM portal.

For more information, please visit http://clickers.umd.edu.