About the Clickers Required for Some Philosophy Courses

Selected philosophy professors will be using an interactive “clicker” response system in their classes. The clicker can be used for things such as attendance, interactive class participation, quizzes, exams, etc. It has a unique identification number that allows the system to track student participation during class, and the data collected can be used by the instructor to determine a portion of students' grades.

Unlike many other courses or institutions, which require students to purchase a $25-$50 clicker, the Philosophy Department (with the generous assistance of the Dean’s office) has acquired the $30 devices for students in participating classes. Students will be allowed to use the clicker for a semester for a minimal $2 handling fee, which will be charged to students' accounts. Students are responsible for taking care of the clicker, bringing it to every class session, and making sure it is returned in good working order to the bookstore at the end of the semester. Students should NOT write on or mark their assigned clickers.

On the first day of class, the instructor will distribute clickers.Each clicker has a unique identification number, which the instructor entered into the central response system. Each instructor also uses a channel setting, which has been pre-entered into the clicker.

Should a student have problems with a clicker, it may need to be initialized using the following process: 
1. Press and release the "GO" button.
2. While the light is flashing red and green, enter the 2 digit channel code, which students can get from the instructor.
3. After the second digit is entered, press and hold the "GO" button until the light turns green.

Returning the Clicker at the End of the Semester

The clicker MUST be returned to the instructor at the end of the semester.  If a student cannot return the clicker to the instructor, it can be turned in or mailed to the Philosophy office in JRC 241 by no later than 1:00 p.m. on the last day of finals (Fall 2008 = Friday, December 19, 2008). If a student does not return the clicker by the set deadline, he/she will not receive a final grade until either the clicker is returned or a $30 replacement fee is paid. If the clicker is not returned, a $30 replacement fee will be assessed to the student's account approximately 3-4 weeks after the registrar's final grade deadline. Once the fee is assessed, final grades will be released. No clicker returns will be accepted after the replacement fee is assessed.

No clicker returns will be accepted after the replacement fee is assessed.

Returned clickers will be tested to see if they are in good working order. If a defaced/nonfunctioning/damaged clicker was returned, a $30 replacement fee will be assessed to the student's account.

What if a Student Forgets to Bring the Clicker to Class?

Instructors WILL NOT have extra clickers for students to use in class, so it is essential to bring the clicker every day. If a student forgets the clicker, he/she must notify the instructor immediately.

What if the Clicker Malfunctions?

If a student has problems with a clicker in class, the instructor should be notified immediately. After class, take the malfunctioning clicker to JRC 241. The clicker will be tested, and a replacement will be issued if necessary. If the clicker is damaged/defaced, a $30 replacement fee will be charged to the student's account. When the student returns to class, the instructor should be notified of the replacement clicker’s identification number so it can be programmed into the central response system.

If the clicker malfunctions during a quiz or exam, notify the instructor immediately and arrange to make up the quiz/exam.

What if the Clicker is Lost/Stolen/Damaged?

Each student is responsible for taking care of the clicker and ensuring that it is returned in good working order. If a clicker is lost/stolen/damaged, the student must purchase a new clicker at the bookstore (it will cost more than $30). At the end of the semester, if the student does not return the original clicker assigned to him/her, the student will be charged a $30 replacement fee. In the alternative, the student can return the clicker purchased at the bookstore to the Philosophy Department to avoid the $30 charge. Notify the instructor of the replacement clicker's identification number as soon as possible.

What if a Student Drops the Class?

If a student decides to drop the class, please notify the instructor AND return the undamaged clicker to either the instructor or the main Philosophy office in JRC 241 within 10 days of dropping the class. The $2 handling fee WILL NOT be refunded. If a student drops the class and fails to return the clicker within 10 days of dropping the class, a $30 replacement fee will be charged to his/her student account. Once the replacement fee is assessed, the clicker cannot be returned to the Philosophy Department.

Philosophy Department
JRC 241
Office is open M-F 7:45 am - 3:45 pm