TurningPoint (Clickers) Helpguides and Tutorials


Classroom Response Systems (or "Clickers") are an interactive tool that allows students to provide instant feedback to instructors using a small, handheld device called a "clicker".  Responses can be anonymous, and data collected can be aggregated automatically to provide an instant poll which compares student responses.

Much current research has shown that clickers help engage students in both large and small classes by encouraging them to think about their responses as part of the learning process.  The act of choosing an answer to a question helps students reflect upon their own thinking processes more than taking notes, and by collecting that information an instructor can see where a class is having problems.

For more information about teaching and research about clicker use, see the excellent blog written by Dr. Derek Bruff at Vanderbilt University: http://derekbruff.com/teachingwithcrs/

At Saint Xavier University, we use the TurningPoint clicker system.  The system consists of a USB dongle to receive inputs, and a small, credit-card sized device that student use to respond.

Instructors can create questions for use with the TurningPoint system by downloading and installing a program that interfaces with PowerPoint.  Using your own computer, you create a series of questions in preparation for class.  When it's time to present, this program is already installed on all classroom computers at SXU.

Classroom sets of clickers can be checked out by contacting Chris Stormer at stormer@sxu.edu or 773-341-5166.


Please see the following handouts and tutorials to help you get started:

Windows - Office 2003:
Creating Your First Interactive Slide
Setting the Channel on the Clicker
TurningPoint Quickstart (Office 2003)


Windows - Office 2007:

Mac - Office 2004:
NOTE: The Macintosh version of TurningPoint does not work with Office 2008.  Please use TurningPoint Anywhere on the Mac if you have this version of Office.




TurningPoint Anywhere
While it is generally easiest to get started using TurningPoint by using the PowerPoint integration, if you do not currently use PowerPoint, or wish to have more flexibility about how you ask questions, try the TurningPoint Anywhere software.

TurningPoint Anywhere provides a floating toolbar in any application, allowing you to ask questions while viewing websites or using any computer program.  It works with the same clicker and USB dongle equipment.

Macintosh Versions:

Windows Versions:



TurningPoint also make several online tutorials and demonstrations available on there website:

http://www.turningtechnologies.com/responsesystemsupport/producttraining/onlinetutorials/
Posted by Christopher Stormer on Wednesday, May 05, 2010
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