CPS+(clickers)

toc =**What are CPS "clickers"?**= Classroom Performance System (CPS) is a software and hardware package developed by eInstruction. They are handheld devices similar in appearance to a very basic television remote control. Some people call them "clickers." They allow for rapid response and interactive learning in a game approach.


 * By using clickers, teachers can**:
 * actively engage students
 * gauge their level of understanding of the material being presented
 * provide prompt feedback to student questions

1. Prepare 2. Engage 3. Report
 * There are 3 parts to the CPS software program**:

=Materials Needed=

Software
Tech Coordinators can go to [|eInstruction download] (CPS for PC Full Release) to install the software on staff computers.

Hardware

 * your school computer with CPS software downloaded that you will be connecting the CPS receiver to
 * projector
 * CPS "clickers"
 * CPS receiver (plugs into USB) **Connect the receiver to the computer before opening the CPS software!**

=Quick Start=

Creating a Database
You only really need to create a database __once__: Want more organization? Click here for optional info.
 * 1) Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
 * 2) Open CPS by double clicking on the CPS icon.
 * 3) Choose to set up a new database. Follow the prompts.
 * 4) Name the new database. (Your last name and CPS, for example: MartinCPS)
 * 5) Save this database to a folder on the **Desktop or** **__C:Drive__. (This is important to avoid possible file corruption. Always save all files in use with CPS to the Desktop or C:Drive).**

**Creating a Class**
If you switch classes or are departmentalized, you will need to create a class for __each__ of the sections of students you teach. (For example, Math 5A and Math 5B or Block 1 Precalculus). If you are a self-contained classroom, you will only need to create one class.
 * 1) Click "Prepare" tab.
 * 2) Click "Classes and Students."
 * 3) Click the green plus sign and choose "Class."
 * 4) Follow the directions on the screen.

Adding Students
Assigning students a specific number is extremely important for a couple reasons: First, it helps //behavior and classroom management//. Students know which response pad "clicker" is theirs to be responsible for each time they are used. (Assigning them alphabetically like your gradebook works well). Handing the clickers out and turning them back in is more orderly. Second, it allows for the teacher to //use the data in the reports// and print reports for individual students. Note: You can add new students and delete withdrawn students as needed in the future. In addition, if a "clicker" becomes inoperable you can change the clicker number for a student.
 * 1) Click the name of your class.
 * 2) Click the green plus sign and choose new "Student."
 * 3)  Repeat this process until you have enough students in your class __or__ press enter on your keyboard to add as many students as necessary.
 * 4)    Rename your students by changing the "first name" and "last name" fields.

Creating CPS Lessons and Questions

 * 1) Click "Prepare" tab.
 * 2) Click "Lessons and Assessments."
 * 3) Click the green plus sign and choose new "Lesson."
 * 4)  Add a title to your lesson.
 * 5)  Click on the name of your lesson while still under the Prepare tab.
 * 6)  Click the green plus sign and choose new "Question."
 * 7)  Save each question as you go with the floppy disk and arrow icon.
 * 8)  Click the red close icon when you are finished creating questions.

Importing PowerPoint Questions
Benefits of using PowerPoint created questions is that you can share the quizzes easily with your teammates. Since CPS likes to be on the C:Drive it is difficult to share CPS created questions with others without sharing the entire database.
 * 1) Click "Prepare" tab.
 * 2) Click "Lessons and Assessments."
 * 3) Go to "Add File(s)" located to the right in the second blue block.
 * 4) Choose the drop down menu for PowerPoint.
 * 5) Navigate to where you saved the PowerPoint and click "Open."

**Importing ExamView Questions**

 * 1) Click "Prepare" tab.
 * 2) Click "Lessons and Assessments."
 * 3) Go to "Add File(s)" located to the right in the second blue block.
 * 4) Choose the drop down menu for ExamView.
 * 5) Navigate to where you saved the ExamView file and click "Open."

Engaging a Lesson

 * 1) Click the "Engage" tab.
 * 2) Check the box in front of the lesson you want to engage.
 * 3) If you have multiple classes, make sure you have chosen the desired class in the middle blue box.
 * 4) Click the green "Engage" button to start your lesson.
 * 5) "Take Attendance" by clicking on the "Class" button to see if all of the clickers are working.
 * 6) If the lesson is CPS created or ExamView, use the "Start" button. If the lesson is a PowerPoint or verbal, click the "Verbal" button.

**Accessing Reports**

 * 1) Click on the "Report" tab.
 * 2) Click on the Session Title you would like a Report for--note that the most recent one is located at the top of the list.
 * 3) Click on "Generate."
 * 4) Select or deselect students you want the Report to include.
 * 5) Select your Report and click "Preview." (Reports of interest include: "Instructor Summary" and "Study Guides-Incorrect Answers.")
 * 6) Print the Report or close out of it.

=Help= If your computer does not recognize the receiver, you may not have connected the receiver to the computer __before__ opening the CPS software. To fix this: check **Settings** > **Delivery Options** > **Receiver** > **Detect CPS Receiver**.

HTML Help page (Pops up every time you open CPS program. Print out the help you need.) [|Programs and User Guide Downloads] [|Online Training Videos] [|Customer Support] [|Schools with Online Databases]

**Introduction Resources**
Training Handout:

TRT Amy Boehman's Quick Start Handout: and Video Tutorials http://amytechtips.wikispaces.com/CPS

TRT Mike Hakkarinen's CPS Introduction Activities:

Adding Graphics
Directions for adding graphics in CPS:

**Adding Video**
Directions for adding video in CPS:

Directions for adding video in a PowerPoint: