Student attitudes and learning performance derived from the use of clickers in class

Abstract

This study describes the introduction of clickers in the class in an university setting and offers an analysis of its main implications in terms of student attitudes and learning performance. The study's main objectives are: (1) to know what is the students' overall feeling about the use of clickers in the class and (2) to understand the extent to which these technological devices help improve their learning performance. To do so, we have conducted a survey and obtained information about student perceptions and learning performance for a sample of 198 students in a Spanish University (Universidad de Zaragoza). The study results reveal that clickers are perceived as an easy-to-use device and it increases the joy and utility that students derive from the class. Also, students have high positive attitudes toward the use of clickers in class and they present a high level of satisfaction. In addition, we find that clickers increase student interactivity, improve the understanding of the lessons and materials and enhance the quality of the learning experience.