Utilizing Plickers for Educational Purposes: A Guide
Plickers: A Low-Tech Solution for Formative Assessment
Plickers, an app-based polling tool, is revolutionising the way teachers conduct formative assessments in classrooms. This innovative solution is designed to work seamlessly in classrooms where not every student has access to a digital device [1][3].
Key Features of Plickers
Plickers stands out with its low-tech, card-based system. Students respond to multiple-choice questions by holding up specially printed cards with unique patterns, which are then scanned by the teacher's device (smartphone or tablet) [3]. The tool offers instant feedback, enabling teachers to scan the room to get immediate results and share live data with the whole class, facilitating prompt instructional adjustments [3].
The interactive and game-like nature of scanning cards adds engagement and motivation for students [3]. Plickers can function as a polling tool as well as a question-and-assessment system. Teachers can use the Plickers app on most iOS and Android smartphone devices [2].
Benefits of Using Plickers
Plickers offers several benefits for formative assessment. It is ideal for classrooms lacking individual student devices, enabling all students to participate in assessments [1][3]. The tool is time-efficient, allowing teachers to quickly gauge student understanding on the spot and adjust teaching accordingly [1][3].
The use of cards and scanning makes assessment interactive, helping to maintain student attention [1]. Plickers supports data-driven instruction by quickly collecting assessment data, giving insight into student progress and learning needs without interrupting class flow [1][3].
Plickers reduces barriers for younger students or schools with limited technology resources as it requires no student tech skills or devices [1][3]. The tool operates on a group scale, allowing teachers to work through questions at scale with the class [1].
Additional Features
Responses are saved in Plickers, allowing both students and teachers to see progress in that round of questioning [2]. Teachers can print sets of Plickers cards for free, ranging from 40 to 63 cards [2]. Plickers allows teachers to collect data on student progress with an easy monitoring system [1].
The Free tier of Plickers includes all features. However, the Plickers Pro tier, at $71.88/year, offers advanced content sharing and design features [2]. Plickers cards are numbered 1-40 (or 1-63) to identify individual student answers [2].
Plickers can be used offline if needed, making it accessible and inclusive [1]. The tool can be used for big picture-style question rounds with the use of imagery [1]. A New Teacher Starter Kit and Best Tools for Teachers are available on Plickers [2].
Teachers can use Plickers to open a lesson or new subject using a set of questions to assess student knowledge [1]. Ending a lesson with questions can cement learning and see how students are taking in what's being taught (Exit ticket) [1]. Using questions mid-lesson can refresh student knowledge and keep them focused (Mid-lesson) [1].
Overall, Plickers offers a practical, engaging, and low-tech way for teachers to conduct formative assessments and get immediate insights to support effective teaching and learning.
[1] - Plickers Official Website [2] - EdTech Magazine Article on Plickers [3] - Tech & Learning Article on Plickers
- The low-tech system of Plickers, which allows students to respond to multiple-choice questions using cards, is particularly useful in classrooms where not every student has access to digital devices.
- With Plickers, teachers can conduct formative assessments in a game-like manner, adding engagement and motivation for students, and also obtain instant feedback, facilitating prompt instructional adjustments.
- Plickers helps support data-driven instruction by quickly collecting assessment data, giving insight into student progress and learning needs without interrupting class flow, making it an ideal tool for education-and-self-development and online-education.
- Incorporating Plickers into education can help teachers assess student learning at various points during a lesson, aiding in the retention of knowledge and promoting focused learning.
