Interwrite PRS RF "Clickers"
Penn State has chosen Interwrite PRS RF to be the standardized Student Response System in CLC-managed Technology Classrooms at University Park. Beginning Fall 2007, the Interwrite PRS RF receiver and software will be installed in all CLC-managed Technology Classrooms. The PRS RF transmitter (clicker) will be available for purchase from the Penn State Bookstore.For more information on the new system, or for questions regarding training and support, please email clickers@psu.edu.
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Training Resources and User's Guides
Interwrite PRS RF Home Page
Offers an overview of the system, as well as links to training and support resources.
Free, Live Interwrite PRS Training Online
Interwrite Learning offers free, live online training sessions on how to use the PRS software in your classes. Please register at least 24 hours in advance in order to ensure a spot in the online WebEx classroom.
Online Tutorials for Interwrite PRS RF from the Manufacturer
View quick video tutorials online on a variety of PRS RF topics.
Interwrite PRS Software User's Guide (PDF)
Interwire PRS RF Clicker User's Guide (PDF)Tutorials and Documentation
Using an ANGEL Roster to Fill Out a PRS Roster - The video file below will go through the process of using your roster from ANGEL to fill out your students' first and last names in your PRS class roster.
PRS-AngelRoster.mp4 (5 MB) - NOTE: Right click (ctrl+click on a Mac) and select the option to download/save the file to your computer, then open the video from your computer. This file will play best in Quicktime Player, iTunes, or VLC Player. It will not play in Windows Media Player.PRS Software Downloads
Interwrite PRS software (4.42.0010) is available. Click on the link below for your operating system. You will asked to login with your Penn State Access Account.
Windows (74 MB)
Mac (74 MB)
Linux (73 MB)
Penn State Clicker Documents and Media
TLT Podcast: Clickers in Classrooms
Jamie Oberdick from TLT interviews faculty on the use of clickers in their classes. NOTE: This link will take you to the Penn State iTunes U site in iTunes. You must have iTunes installed for this link to work properly.
Personal Response System Evaluation Report (PDF)
A report on some of the testing and surveying performed during the evaluation of various Student Response Systems, and an analysis of the student and faculty survey data collected during the testing
Report on Adoption of a Student Response System (PDF)
Summary of the findings that led to the selection of Interwrite PRS RF
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Student Response System (Clicker System)?
A Student Response System is a way to add interactive learning to the classroom. Using response pads (clickers), students are able to respond to questions during the lecture, and the results of those responses can be seen immediately on the screen, enabling the instructor and the student to instantly assess the comprehension of the material. Clickers can be used for attendance, quizzes, test prep, review, group activities, and more.
Why is Penn State standardizing on a single clicker?
In order to facilitate the adoption and fulfill demand for a student response system, it was necessary to standardize on one system. Standardization means that the students will only have to purchase one clicker, and instructors will be able to structure their lectures around the new standardized system.
How easy is the system to use?
Interwrite PRS RF has been designed to be as simple as possible both for the instructor and the student. Typically, instructors use the PRS PowerPoint add-in to add interactive questions to their presentations. During the presentation, when a slide with a clicker question comes up, an easy-to-use toolbar allows the instructor to start, pause, and stop the question, and then review the results with the class. The students' experience with the clicker is no more complex than pressing the appropriate response on the clicker and hitting the send button. The screen on the clicker confirms to the student that the response was received, and optionally, if that response was correct.
Where can students buy their clickers?
Clickers can be purchased from the Penn State Bookstore
How much will the clickers cost?
For the Spring 2007 semester, the Interwrite PRS RF clickers were $46.50 new / $35.00 used. Fall 2007 pricing has not been announced. When considering the cost, please bear in mind that because of the standardization, the clicker will be able to be used in multiple classes over multiple semesters.
Will students be able to resell their clickers?
Yes. The Penn State Bookstore will buy back clickers.
Where will Interwrite PRS RF be installed?
The Interwrite PRS RF hardware and software will be installed in all CLC-managed Technology Classrooms at University Park.
What if I want to use Interwrite PRS RF with my laptop in class?
CLC will be maintaining a loaner pool of PRS RF Receivers for those who wish to use PRS on their laptops. Details will be available soon.
Will the PRS software be available for download?
Yes. The Mac, Windows, and Linux versions of PRS are now available in the Downloads section above.
What's the warranty for the clickers? How long do the batteries last?
The PRS RF clickers come with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. The batteries (3xAAA) should last approximately 2 semesters, depending on use.
Can the clickers be password-protected?
No. The PRS RF clicker cannot be password-protected.
Can I arrange a demo for a faculty meeting?
Yes. Please email clickers@psu.edu for info about arranging a demo.
I'd like to support PRS RF at my campus. Who should I contact?
Please email clickers@psu.edu for info about working with Interwrite.
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This page was last modified: 6/2/2008 9:29:34 AM.