mobile technologies

Student Response Systems or clickers as we call them can be useful in the choir classes I teach. I like them for several reasons that include effectiveness, availability, cost, and interesting. First, I like how students can answer question anonymously. On occasion I have my students give feedback on performances from others in the class and I know some students have a hard time taking criticism and some have a hard time giving it. I think using the clickers is a good way to get a conversation going about the performances. When using yes and no questions I could ask “Did all members of the ensemble breathe where it is indicated in the music? From there we could open up a discussion on why it is important to follow the markings in the music. Multiple choice questions can be used for ear-training when I want students to tell me what pattern I am singing. I would sing a solfege pattern and the students would choose whether I sang pattern A, B, C, or D. Since this is a hard concept for many, it would alleviate the fear of being wrong and everyone knowing it. But for me it would be a quick way for me to see who is getting it and who needs additional help. In an article I read, “Rules of Engagement” http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=86d5bbb0-c764-43ab-91b9-644dab4088db%40sessionmgr110&vid=8&hid=106 the author says it is important that the SRS be used appropriately based on the topic and should not be a distraction to learning. The teacher needs to keep the learner in mind when deciding to use clickers. Some questions are suggested to ask as a teacher. “How is the question related to my objective? What do I want to achieve by asking this question?” Keeping in mind what type of answer a teacher wants, he/she needs to write the question or statement accordingly. Another idea to keep in mind is the validity of the question, especially when assessing. Depending on the type and brand of clicker you buy, it will cost $1,000.00 - $2,000.00 for a classroom set of 24. As interesting as clickers are, I am not sure they are worth the money for my classroom.