Technical Training to Master a New Tool (iClicker Cloud)

Screenshot of iClicker Cloud Demonstration Video

The Problem

Formative assessment is crucial for student learning. When integrated into synchronous teaching, formative quizzes also promotes active learning. Student response system applications like TopHat and iClicker Cloud allow you to poll students in real-time from anywhere. While these are great tools for promoting learning, they can be a little daunting to instructors not familiar with them.

The Solution

Given the general ‘tech-phobia’ of the faculty I was working with, a three-step approach was adopted.

  • A short instructional video made in Camtasia demonstrating the tool.
  • A series of small work group sessions (3-6 learners) for the faculty to conduct live polling with a group of friendly users.
  • A one-page job aid that they could reference later

Having learners view a video first served a couple of purposes.

First, it allowed those who were relatively confident using technology while teaching to get an overview without having to attend a 30 minute training. The video could also serve as a refresher for faculty members that had some forgetting time in between their use of iClicker and the training. The video functioned as prep material for those attending the work sessions, so that our time could be focused on getting them to practice, not watching a live demonstration. A one-page job aid was also provided for later reference.

Tools

Tools used in this project include:

  • Camtasia
  • iClicker
  • SharePoint – The video was linked on our training hub page and a quiz PPT was provided for attendees of the live sessions to use for quizzing. It is also where the one-page job aid was available.
  • Zoom – Where the live trainings took place

Examples

Below is the 12-minute demonstration video. Note the way both the student and teacher views are shown simultaneously. Many faculty members remarked on how helpful this was to see.

Summary

As simple as this problem was, it presented a number of common challenges with technical training in a professional setting.

  • Learners have varied levels of comfort with the specific technology and technology in general. Providing a pre-work video and a follow-up job aid allowed them to have more autonomy over their learning.
  • You learn more by doing than seeing someone else do, but this takes time. Some learners are happy to watch a video and jump in, while others need practice in a safe environment. The live sessions gave them that all important practice time.
  • Working professionals have a hard time committing a full hour in the middle of their day. This does not mean that don’t have time to learn a new skill and practice it. By spacing out the learning, practicing, and reviewing of how to use the tool, learners were better able to master the tool.

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