A Comparative Analysis of the Use of Student Response Devices (“Clickers”) in University Learning Environments at a Large Southeastern University

Abstract

Reforms in STEM education call for the broad implementation of student-centered strategies and instructional technologies support this integration. An instructional technology that has received much attention in the last decade is student responses systems, or “clickers”. There is little literature that has examined the widespread diffusion of clickers and their appropriate use. This cross-sectional survey study explores use of clickers in postsecondary settings across multiple disciplines, how clickers are used, and why faculty chose to use (or not) clickers. Survey responses revealed that clickers were differentially used by faculty based on discipline. Logistic regression determined class size as the only predictor of clicker use. Implications are discussed in terms of providing professional development to impact instructor knowledge and beliefs towards instructional technology.