Are you ready technically?

It is important to be prepared before you run PRS in your classroom for the first time. This page gives some information that should help prepare you for that first PRS trial.

Dry Runs

Generally we encourage instructors to do “dry runs” a few times before trying to run PRS during class. This is just to give you a feel for how the system works and make sure you don’t have any problems with the projector, receiver, or any other part of your setup. It is best to do this in the room where you will be teaching, mostly so you can test out the projector in the room (and make sure there is one).

PRS Training videos

eInstruction software offers training videos to get you started. They are brief but quite useful if you are new to PRS. A variety of workshops on how to use PRS on UMass campus. Workshops on using PRS are offered by Academic Computing.

See current list of workshops

Are you ready pedagogically?

The following pedagogical strategies have developed over time and are the result of trial and error on the part of many PRS instructors.

  • Use clickers for enhanced learning and not for testing and attendance taking.
  • Replace time spent preparing specific topics to “present” in lecture with time spent preparing PRS questions to help students work with the topics to reach understanding.
  • Have a clear grading policy including coverage of absences, cheating, technical problems, forgotten clicker, batteries died. Include the policy in your syllabus.
  • Adjust class time to allow for class discussions (discovery) to enhance or refine content coverage.
  • Have a strategy for facilitating discussions with large groups.
  • Benefit from others – visit PRS classes and consult with your PRS colleagues. Visit the PRS Blog