Module 4

     As previously mentioned most of my courses are taught face-to-face. Therefore, it is challenging to find ways to engage students. My goal is to implement more active learning strategies in the classroom. With the advancements in technology, educators can choose from a variety of tools. One technology tool that I would like to implement is a personal response system or clickers. Technological advances such as a personal response system can help teachers become innovative in the classroom. Clickers allow students to answer questions in class anonymously. Participating anonymously is beneficial because often students lack the self-confidence to engage in class (Morse, Ruggerieri & Whelan-Berry, 2010). Clickers have been known to increase student engagement, and attendance rates especially for large lecture hall classes (Cole & Kosc, 2010).  In addition to using the clicker to engage students. The clickers can also be used as a formative assessment tool. Authors Morse, Ruggieri, and Whelan-Berry (2010), explain that clickers can be used to assess student comprehension and provide feedback to both the student and instructor. The feedback can help the instructor further explain or clarify content.

     The benefits to using personal response systems include student engagement and peer collaboration. The teacher could use clickers in a quizzing game format. She could have students work in teams to answer the questions correctly. Many students enjoy games and competition. Boctor (2012) explains that games are one technique that can be used to increase student engagement and help students construct a deep meaning of concepts. The challenges to using a clicker include the cost of the device. In an article by Cole and Kosc (2010), the cost of a clicker can range from $35-$50. Another challenge is professional develop opportunities for faculty. Educators must know how to correctly format the questions and set up the personal response system in the classroom. As many nurse educators, try to transition to an active pedagogy one must consider innovative strategies such as clickers to engage students.

      My experience as a blogger. Initially, the challenge that I faced was setting up the blog. I had no previous knowledge or experience with blogging. However, after viewing a YouTube video, the process became easier. The other challenge is the time it takes to post. We all have several obligations between family, work, and school. At first, it seemed that it would be impossible to keep up with the blogging assignments. But somehow we are managing, and I look forward to blogging. The benefits of blogging are collaborating with my peers and learning a new technology. Blogging is an informal way to share experiences and resources with other educators. While initially, I was worried about blogging, it has been great learning a new technology that I could use in my courses or use to interact with other educators.

References

Boctor, L. (2012). Active learning strategies: The use of a game to reinforce learning in nursing education. A case study. Nurse Education in Practice, 13, 96-100.

Cole, S., & Kosc, G. (2010). Quit surfing and start “clicking”. One professor’s effort to combat he problems of teaching the U.S. survey in a large lecture hall. The History Teacher, 43(3), 397-410.

Morse, J., Ruggieri, M., & Whelan-Berry, K. (2010). Clicking our way to class discussion. American Journal of Business Education, 3(3), 99–108. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.