Making a change can be challenging no matter what the circumstances.  But there are ways to get ahead of the curve so that your transition runs as smoothly as possible!

Whether you are making a transition from:

• One clicker company to another
• One clicker model to another
• One software upgrade to another

Remember that communication is everything… You want to make sure that you are communicating with all of the key players – and many times there are more than you realize.  Don’t panic – you can do it!

Some great resources that will help you communicate with your key players included, but are not limited to:

• Faculty Newsletters
  • No more than two pages, a newsletter can be an effective tool in getting your message out to many people
  • Make sure you check to see that your campus allows for mailing information to the faculty.  In many cases, if you have already had contact with them, you can make contact with them via a mass e-mail!
  • Keep your message short and to the point.
  • Cover areas such as:
    • Why there is a change – include such information as this was a university decision, upgrading to the latest model or advancement in technology on campus.
    • When and where training will be available – including a training schedule is very helpful.
    • How to locate the resources (i.e. software) – it is very helpful to let instructors know that this information is posted on your website or your campus is on version XYZ.
    • Reminder that all computers that are being used (laptop, office, home) should be updated to reflect the software change on campus.

• Instruction Cards for Students
  • Something as simple as a 3x5 or 4x6 information card explaining the changes to clickers on campus really helps the student. 
  • Placing these cards in the campus bookstore at the time of purchase gets the information in their hands sooner rather than later.

• Posting Information on Campus TVs and/or Computer Screen Savers
  • Many times you can provide educational information on campus TVs (usually located in high traffic areas such as the bookstore, library, residence halls, and dining halls) by creating a one or two slide PowerPoint. 
  • Large computing labs on campus often allow for advertisement on their login screens or screen savers. 

• Posters
  • Informational posters placed at the end caps of the bookstore help distribute clicker information to students quickly and easily.

• Newspaper Ad
  • Placing an ad in the school newspaper can spread the news of upcoming change.
  • Many school papers are still delivered around campus and others are subscribed to on cell phones and computers.

• Working with Your Center for Teaching and Learning Staff
  • Getting more staff on campus aware of changes can help with dissemination of information as well as training of faculty and staff.

In order to transition smoothly, we must embrace change and communicate clearly. 

A fitting closing thought on change comes from Winston Churchill:  “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” 

Finally, a closing thought on communication comes from Tony Robbins: “To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.”