2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Class attendance is often positively correlated with exam and class performance. However, instructors often cite not wanting to spend class time recording attendance by calling names, especially in larger class sizes. With the advancement of wireless technology, cell phones, and apps, instructors are now able to access a free, automated method of student-centered tracking of attendance using iClicker technology. iClicker was used in Principles of Horticulture, an introductory course with an average of 50 students, and Professional Practice, an advanced Landscape Architecture course averaging 15 students, at Oklahoma State University in spring 2019. Students were given a five question survey on their perceptions related to their likes, dislikes, attendance behavior, potential to facilitate course learning indirectly, and arrival time. Students cited ease of use, motivation to attend class, ability to monitor their own attendance records, and the ability to always count on it as positives. For negatives, students noted that the GPS function can be glitchy and failure to remember to sign in as negatives. Students in the introductory course self-reported increased attendance and learning related to use of iClicker, but were neutral on the technology resulting in greater on-time arrival. The advanced class did not self-report increased attendance, learning, or on-time arrival to class. For instructors, it provides a record of attendance, if part of academic policy, without using any class time, though instructors should remind students to login each time before class. In addition, an incentive, points related to attendance, could be used to encourage participation.