It’s getting harder to doze in Kansas University’s large classes.

A technology used by a small but growing number of faculty is compelling students to stay awake and tune in.

“You can’t sit there and do crosswords like a lot of people want to,” said Justin Montgomery, a KU junior.

The technology, called “clickers,” is similar to the voting method used on the popular television show “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”

In participating classes, students bring student response transmitters, or “clickers,” along with their books and notes.

When a professor asks a question, students key the answer into their clicker. The results can be tallied immediately, giving the professor quick feedback on whether the class has grasped the lesson.

Some of the newest technology in use at Kansas University helps students in their classroom environment. Sophomore Jessie Bewsher, Wichita, left, readies her clicker device that each student in her physics class is provided with to answer questions asked by the instructor.

“It’s more interactive and engaging,” said Isidro Rivera, an associate professor in the department of Spanish & Portuguese, who is jumping on board.

The technology isn’t new, but advancements have made it easier to use, said Susan Zvacek, KU’s instructional development and support director. KU this year standardized the technology, so all students and faculty will use the same brand. That may make it catch on faster, Zvacek said.

About a dozen faculty use the clickers.

George Tsoflias, assistant professor of geology, uses the clickers in one of his classes that has nearly 1,000 students.

“I was intrigued by the idea of being able to engage a large class,” Tsoflias said. “It’s always a challenge to kept the students’ attention for one hour and 20 minutes.”

So far, so good, he said.

The students have to stay focused in order to answer the questions. And many seem to like the technology.

“They prefer to put answers in the clicker than take a quiz and put answers on a piece of paper,” he said.

Tsoflias said the speedy results enable him to have more quizzes.

He said he hopes the technology helps him to engage students, particularly incoming freshmen, who otherwise might lose interest in the course.

Faculty can keep track of how each student answers each question, and some tie the clickers to class participation points.

But it’s not as simple as simply calling on students to buy the clickers, several faculty said.

• 6News video: KU students click for comprehension (11-07-05)

A professor has to change lessons to incorporate the clickers. The technology has to be set up properly, and that can take time. And faculty and students have to get used to using the technology.

“They’re a pain,” Rivera said. “It’s worth it though. The pain is minimal compared to the results.”

KU estimates the average student will use the clickers for three semesters at a total cost of $50, Zvacek said.