Interactive Classroom Instructions

GETTING STARTED

To respond to the questions asked in class (ConcepTests) you need a device that is capable of communicating with our course server. If you have a laptop, a PDA with wireless capabilities, a web-enabled cell phone or a similar device enabling you to connect to the Internet, then you can use your device for this purpose (see instructions below).

If you do not have a suitable wireless device, you need to purchase an RF transmitter (a “clicker”) at the Computer Product and Repair Center in Science Center B10.  The brand we’re using is the Interwrite PRS RF device (manufactured by GTCO CalComp).  These devices are for sale Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm (these times are subject to change). You may also be able to purchase a used device from another student who doesn’t need it any longer. If you do, please make sure that it is an Interwrite PRS RF device (see illustration below). 

Note: Please register on the course web site (http://physics11.harvard.edu) before coming to class and bring your device or clicker to every lecture. Using someone else’s clicker or otherwise impersonating another student in class constitutes academic dishonesty.

HOW TO USE A ‘CLICKER’ (see reverse side for how to use wireless devices)

Before you use your clicker in class, you should spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the device, store your Harvard ID in your clicker, and record your clicker’s ‘Radio ID’.

The menu button is marked with an asterisk (*), the buttons with triangular symbols are navigation controls, and the large green button with the hooked arrow is the “enter” or “return” key.

Store your Harvard ID on your clicker:

§       Turn on the device (turn it off it was on already), wait a moment, and press the menu (*) button twice.

§       Press the up triangle once and then the large green ‘enter’ button.

§       The system will now allow you to enter your Harvard ID. Be sure to only enter the first eight digits of your Harvard ID and then press the large green ‘enter’ button. Note: You must ensure that the first eight digits of your Harvard ID are entered correctly to receive credit for your participation in class.

Record the clicker’s Radio ID:

§       Turn on the device (turn it of if it was on already), wait a moment, and press the menu button twice.

§       Press the down triangle once and then the large green ‘enter’ button.

§       The display will show you the battery status and your clicker’s Radio ID.

§       Record your clicker’s Radio ID so you can identify it in case your clicker is lost, stolen, or confused with someone else’s.

§       Register your clicker’s Radio ID number (not the number on the back of the device) on the course Web site either when you register initially or by accessing the “My Information” page

When you are in class (be sure to have stored your Harvard ID on your clicker before coming to class!):

  1. When you turn your clicker on, it starts scanning for classes.
  2. To speed up the search, press the number key on your device corresponding to the one-digit channel number of the RF hub written on the board (this step is optional). 
  3. If no ID is stored in your clicker, you will be asked to enter it. (Entering your Harvard ID on this screen, however, will not permanently store your ID on your clicker!)
  4. Your clicker should now ‘join’ the Physics 11 class. If for some reason more than one class is found, select Physics 11.
  5. Your clicker will next prompt you to enter an answer (‘ANS:’). Wait until a question is projected on the screen before pressing the numerical key corresponding to your answer.
  6. The first question will typically ask you to enter your seat number (e.g. ‘G107’ for row G, seat 107). Click one of the alphanumeric keys to switch to alpha mode, then use the up and down keys to select the character corresponding to your row. Next press the numeric keys corresponding to your seat and then press the green button to send your response.
  7. If you change your mind after entering an answer, you can re-enter a different answer provided the question period has not ended.
  8. Your clicker’s display goes blank after a period of inactivity. Simply press any key to turn the display back on. If you turn the device off, you will have to follow the above steps again.

 

HOW TO USE A WIRELESS DEVICE (laptop, PDA, or web-enabled mobile device)

You must register on the course Web site (http://physics11.harvard.edu) before you can use your wireless device in class.

  1. Log in on the course Web site.
  2. Click on ‘Lectures’ and navigate to the current lecture.
  3. You will now be redirected to the Interactive Classroom software. You should see a yellowish screen welcoming you. Remain on this screen until a question is projected.

NAVIGATING THE INTERACTIVE CLASSROOM SCREEN

This software is still under development; we value your feedback on how to improve it.

  1. The numbered buttons at the top of the screen represent the questions. The odd numbered buttons are ‘waiting questions’ — place holders that are displayed between ConcepTests. The even numbered buttons are the ConcepTests.
  2. When you get on, you’ll be on question 1; when the instructor poses a question and asks for responses, click the Continue button. This advances you to question number 2.
  3. The first question will typically ask you to enter your seat number (e.g. ‘G107’ for row G, seat 107). Enter your seat number, then click “Continue” and wait until the next question is posed before clicking Continue again. The screen will provide a confirmation of the seat number you entered.
  4. For multiple-choice ConcepTests, once you have decided on an answer, click on the corresponding number in the upper left corner. This advances you to the next ‘waiting question’. The screen will provide a confirmation of the answer you entered on the previous screen.
  5. If you change your mind, you can go user your browser’s Back button to go back and select another answer. Your new answer will get recorded as long as the question period hasn’t ended.
  6. If you accidentally go to a ConcepTest before it has been posed, you will see a message that no question has yet been sent out. Either go back to the previous ‘waiting question’ or hit the refresh or reload button on your browser once the question has been posed.

If you have any problems, raise your hand so we can assist you, or contact Doug (dvw@deas.harvard.edu).