CPS = Classroom Performance System

v    There are 32 remote control devices to use and 2 CPS sets.

v    You must reserve A CPS pack, a laptop with CPS loaded on in, as well as a projector (unless you have one already in your room) through Michele Rook in the library.

·        Creating a new database

v    File, New Database, Save in, File Name

·        Creating a lesson

v    “New” Icon, Title, Description

·        Edit the lesson

v    Right click on lesson title, New, Question

v    Choose the question type

Ø     Template

v    Font size should be 30 or greater

v    Always use the SAVEà button to move forward or back when editing questions

·        Pasting

v    …questions from another lesson

Ø     Builder icon, Browse, open file, click and drag the question desired to paste onto the lesson

v    … pictures

·        Doing a “dry run” of the lesson

v    Preview icon

·        Roster

v    Default roster – use this when you don’t need a formal printout of students but remember to print out a class roster from e-class and put the numbers next to the names of each student.

v    Creating a class roster

Ø     “Classes” tab, ”New” icon, type in the information

Ø     In the “Students” half of the screen, use the “New” icon to add students.  Type the information at the bottom of the screen.  The pad ID will correspond to the remote # that student should have.

Ø     Always create “extra” students in case a remote is broken or needs batteries.  You will need the extra numbers to be “engaged” if you use a class roster.

·        Running the lesson

v    From the “Lesson” tab, click once the lesson you wish to run, then the “Engage” icon

v    Type the session title, choose the session category, choose the class (either default roster or a class roster you have created),  then “Start”

v    A small bar will appear somewhere on the desktop of your screen.  Click the “Question” icon and then arrow over until you see the first question.

v    Options

v    Colors of answers

v    Percentages and Histograms

·        Reports

v    “Reports” tab, select session, check “Select All” box

v    You will probably always choose the instructor summary

v    You will need to save the information to a disk and then print the report out on your own computer using Microsoft Word

·        Taking a Quiz or a Test

v    Fast Grade: All you need to do is enter in the answers of the questions on a paper quiz or test.

v    When you “engage” the program, make sure to use “Student managed assessment” instead of “Teacher managed”.

v    Students will answer questions at their own pace.

v    They will use the arrow buttons on the remotes if they wish to skip around in the questions

·        Help

v    There is a tutorial CD-ROM disk available through Michele.

v    The best way to learn about the program is to play with it in order to find out more about the commands.

·        Helpful Hints

v    Passing out the remotes takes time.  Begin as quickly as possible.  If you have a roster with students assigned a number remote, you can stand at the door and pass them out as they enter the room to save time.

v    It is best to pass out numbered remotes alphabetically and keep a master list in front of you.  This allows you to keep up with any student playing with the remote.  Students find it amusing to click on a letter repeatedly or one that is not a choice in the question asked.  You can easily see the number of the remote and track it to the student who has it.

v    If time allows, run the program a second time but only give a few seconds to click in the right answer.  The students love the pressure to get their answer clicked in on time.  You will probably have to remind them not to get physical while doing this, though!

v    Students like to view their scores at the end of the quiz or test.  Be sure and share this instant feedback with your class.

v    If you have more than one class using the same lesson, have a competition between the classes using the cumulative percentages at the bottom of each question.  Give a little prize to the class with the highest percentage like candy or bonus points on some kind of assignment or test.

v    Remind students not to take out their frustration on the remotes.  They can break and batteries pop out easily when the remote is dropped.  When you take up the remotes at the end of class, it might be a good idea to check for damage or missing parts then.  Give yourself enough time to take them up before the bell rings.  You’ll need at least 5 minutes to wrap up, take up remotes and show scores if you choose.