A clicker for your thoughts: technology for active learning

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to provide an initial assessment of an Audience Response System (clicker technology) for library instruction as experienced at Texas A&M University Libraries. Design/methodology/approach - Clickers were tested in three different types of instructional sessions with unique class objectives and different student populations. The study provides an overview of the technology, followed by a report on some of the benefits and challenges the authors encountered in the classroom. Findings - Clickers are fairly easy to use, and provide a fun way to quickly turn traditional classroom lectures into interactive learning experiences. Practical implications - This paper provides concrete applications for how to access student knowledge and implement active learning techniques in the classroom. Originality/value - This paper demonstrates an innovative way librarians can improve library instruction in order to meet information literacy standards and other educational challenges.