Iowa is moving this summer to a new “student response system,” also known as “clickers.”  Starting with Summer 2019, Top Hat will be the only clicker service supported on campus.

During Spring 2019, both the current Turning Point clicker system and Top Hat will be supported.

• Top Hat is fully integrated with ICON/Canvas and has an automated process for updating ICON rosters and grades. See the Top Hat website to learn more about the system’s many flexible features.

• Top Hat was chosen after extensive consultation with groups within UI and at other universities.
• Since UI is part of the Unizin consortium, a reduced licensing fee was made available to the consortium by Top Hat, with a rebate provided for UI students who use the current clicker system and who also buy the Top Hat license. For Spring, Summer, and Fall 2019, these students will qualify for a $20 rebate. (Note: This must be done within 28 days of the student purchasing a Top Hat license.)

During this transition, Top Hat is working closely with UI to provide support for all instructors, with the UI Enterprise Instructional Technology staff also offering training for colleges and departments.

• Top Hat will provide one-on-one training sessions for instructors from February 13-15 (see details below).
• For additional support, please visit the UI clicker website, which includes a guide on getting started with Top Hat and well as other materials.

The UI dedicated Top Hat representative and trainer Darren Ng will be on campus February 13-15. Darren Ng will provide one-on-one demonstrations for instructors in their own offices and is happy to visit with departments and faculty groups. Please contact him at this email address. For faculty who cannot attend an on-campus session, Darren Ng is available to schedule a virtual meeting. Please feel free to contact the UI Instructional Technology team, Annette Beck, Victoria Maloy, and Makur Jain, with questions or for help setting up an appointment with Darren Ng. The ITS Help Desk is also ready to answer questions.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.