What is the CPS audience response system?

CPS is a clicker system manufactured by eInstruction that allows the instructor to interact in real time with their students in a classroom or lecture hall. Instructors can poll students for just-in-time teaching or conduct attendance by having students respond to questions posted through the eInstruction software or a modified version of Microsoft Powerpoint. Click here to view an article about eInstruction in OIT News.

1. Contact New Media and Classroom Technologies
2. Contact eInstruction
3. UMBC Bookstore
4. CPS Software
5. CPS Online Training Materials
6. Registering a Course in Blackboard
7. Registering Student Clickers in Blackboard
8. Articles on "Clickers"

 

The CPS clicker system at UMBC is managed by OIT in cooperation with individual course instructors.

• The New Media Learning and Development group supports the pedogogical use of the tool and the integration into the Blackboard course management system. You can contact Bob Armstrong at ext.5-3885 or rarmstro@umbc.edu for more information.
  
  
• The Classroom Technologies group (AV Services) assists faculty with ensuring that the CPS receivers and software are installed and working properly in classrooms and lecture halls. You can contact Steve Anderson at ext. 5-3680 or sanderso@umbc.edu for more information.
  
  

Instructors need to contact eInstruction directly to obtain a CPS test kit. The test kit includes software for managing the system on a desktop (PC or MAC), a receiver that can be used for testing and/or installed for use in the appropriate classroom, a clicker that can used in the student mode for testing, and an instruction manual.

 

Students can purchase the CPS clickers in the UMBC bookstore. The clickers cost approximately $21.50 new and can be used for multiple classes in multiple semesters. (Some publishers will offer a discount with the purchase of their textbooks.) Each semester, the student will be charged a one time fee of $13.00 enabling the student to use the clicker for as many classes as the students needs for that semester. If the student uses the clicker over multiple semesters, the per semester registration fee by eInstruction will cap out after three semesters or $39.00. Each subsequent semester is then free.

NOTE: Students can sell the clickers back to the bookstore at the end-of-term buyback if they are through using them.

CPS Software

The CPS software is available for both MACs and PCs and can be downloaded from eInstruction. The software consists of two major pieces:

• The CPS full release includes the software for developing response questions and lessons and enables the ability to sync rosters etc. with eInstruction online.
  
  
• CPS for PowerPoint allows the instructor to create PowerPoint presentations (XP or later) and incorporate the audience response questions and lessons directly into the presentation.

EInstruction.com has created flash videos and online live training sessions that you can attend.

NOTE: OIT recommends that you participate in one of these training sessions to familiarize yourself with the software. These are the designated training materials for this product.

1. To register your Blackboard course in CPS go to the course "Tools" area.

2. Click on the "CPS Connection" link and then the "Register" button.

3. Complete all of the required fields in the form to register the course and click "Register the class".

NOTE: At the end of the registration process you will receive a class "key". Make sure to take note of the "key" and write it down. The students need the "key" when they register their clickers.

4. Once the course has been registered in Blackboard by the instructor, the students can then return to the same location (Bb course -> Tools -> CPS Connection) and register their clickers using the course "key".

NOTE: Remind students to register through the Blackboard course and not through eInstruction.com to maintain a consistant roster.

Clickers in the Large Classroom: Current Research and Best-Practice Tips
Jane E. Caldwell, Department of Biology, West Virgina University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Classroom Clickers Make the Grade
Wired Magazine

Clickers In Your Classroom
Wakonse E-Learning Newsletter

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bob Armstrong at 410.455.3885 or rarmstro@umbc.edu or blackboard@umbc.edu.