INTERWRITEPRS® (RF and IR)

Find resources for your INTERWRITEPRS® (RF and IR) below!
  • Getting Started 
  • Recommended Hardware 
  • Specifications 
  • FAQ's 
Windows

Windows 2000, XP or Vista*
Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Me or NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6 or later (for an IR Receiver installation)
Intel Pentium III Processor 1GHz or higher (or equivalent)
512 MB RAM
200 MB hard disk space for installation
CD-ROM Drive for installation
XVGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution video with minimum of 16 bit color
Available USB Port for Receiver installation
Microsoft Office 2000, XP, 2003, 2007 (for PowerPoint integration)
* Microsoft recommends additional system requirements for Vista. PRS will run on the minimum system recommendation for Vista.
Mac

Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4
700 MHz processor or higher (includes support for Intel Macs)
512 MB RAM
200 MB hard disk space for installation
CD-ROM Drive for installation
1024 x 768 or higher resolution video
Available USB Port for Receiver installation
Microsoft Office 2004 (for PowerPoint integration)
Linux

Intel Pentium III Processor or higher (or equivalent)
512 MB RAM
200 MB hard disk space for installation
CD-ROM Drive for installation
XVGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution video with minimum of 16 bit color
Available USB Port for Receiver installation
Linux Distributions Supported:

  • Ubuntu 6.06LTS (Dapper Drake)
  • Ubuntu 6.10 (Edgy Eft)/7.04 (Feisty Fawn)
  • LinEx 2006 with all updates
  • Fedora Core 3/4/5
  • CentOS
  • LinKat 1.0
  • Mandriva 2006
  • GuadaLinex 3.01
  • SuSe 10.1/10.2
  • MoLinex 2.0
  • Max 2
  • Lliurex

INTERWRITEPRS® Hardware (infrared)

Feature Description Benefit

Unique Transmitter ID

Each transmitter has a unique ID that can be assigned to individual students.

Each student’s response can be tied directly to him or her.

Low Cost and No Recurring Fees

Transmitters are owned by the student or purchasing institution. There are no online or registration fees assessed to activate the transmitter.

Saves significant money over multiple semesters and for students using the clicker in multiple classes.

Alpha-numeric Keypad

Transmitters have alphanumeric values (i.e. 1A, 2B, 3C, 4D, 5E, 6F, 7G, 8H, 9I, 0J)

Teachers can ask multiple-choice questions that have up to 10 options and numeric valued questions.

High & Low Confidence Levels

Two programmable keys allow students to indicate high and low confidence levels with their responses.

Teachers can not only gauge if the students' answers are correct or incorrect, but how confident they were in answering the question.

Infrared Technology

Receivers use infrared technology similar to a TV remote. The clickers operate at a range of up to 60 feet from the receivers.

Very reliable technology that operates on a “line of sight”, so it will not interfere with radio frequency equipment or other systems in adjacent rooms.

Wireless Option for Receivers

Wireless transceivers allow the connection of the computer and one or more groups of receivers to be accomplished without cables.

In larger classrooms, wireless transceivers are useful to eliminate floor wiring. The wireless system may also be a cost savings for institutions requiring contractors to perform extensive hard-wiring configurations.

Compatible with Standard Computer Hardware

Receivers are connected to the computer’s comm port (or a USB converted port).

Easy to install.

INTERWRITEPRS® Software

Feature Description Benefit

Windows, Mac and Linux compatible

Minimum requirements: Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP Mac OS X 10.3.9 or greater
Linux

Greater flexibility because it is not limited to a single operating system.

Question Authoring Tool

Teachers can enter questions easily into the INTERWRITEPRS® software and set up time limits, number of choices, select the correct answer, number of chances, and other options.

Teachers have the flexibility to create questions in the INTERWRITEPRS® system and/or utilize their PowerPoint presentation slides.

PowerPoint™ Integration

A PowerPoint Add-In toolbar allows educators the ability to quickly and easily turn any PowerPoint slide into a INTERWRITEPRS® question slide.

Teachers have the flexibility to create questions in the INTERWRITEPRS® system and/or utilize their PowerPoint presentation slides.

INTERWRITEPRS® Response Graph

At the completion of a question, the INTERWRITEPRS® Response Graph displays a histogram that tallies the results of student responses.

Teachers can instantly see if their students are grasping key concepts and adjust their lesson accordingly.

INTERWRITEPRS® Response Map

Instructors can see when students enter their response by viewing the response map.

The response map can be set up based on an instructor’s class roster, randomly or sequentially. For larger classes, response maps can be set on a timed cycle displaying responses in smaller sections.

Instant Grading

Students’ responses can be instantly graded and recorded in INTERWRITEPRS®’ integrated Gradebook. Data can also be uploaded to other grade book systems such as Blackboard Learning System™, Web Assign® and WebCT™.

Eliminates hours spent on hand grading and recording of students’ responses.

Variety of Reporting Options

Multiple reports available such as attendance, session results by student, session summary results by question and cumulative grades by student.

Provides educators greater flexibility and power to leverage student assessment data collected through INTERWRITEPRS®.

Question Weighting

Educators can place a different value on select questions in a lesson.

A more accurate grade is recorded based on the difficulty of the question.

“On-The-Fly” Questions

Questions may be created “on-the-fly” during a class session by using the Add Question function in the INTERWRITEPRS® software.

Allows educators even greater flexibility during class by assessing students’ retention of the subject matter and inserting questions as needed, to reinforce certain topics.

Import Questions from Textbook Publishers and Other Sources

Many book publishers include a set of XML-based questions available with their text. An XML question import capability is included in the INTERWRITEPRS® software which allows prepared questions, responses and correct answers to be imported.

Saves time and effort creating questions. Questions from publishers validated from textbook Test Item File.

Free Web Registration Tool

A free Web registration applet is available. Students can log into this Web application, hosted by the institution, to register for their transmitters for their class.

For larger classes, eliminates the need for instructors to enter each student’s information and transmitter ID.

Data easily managed in other programs

Data is saved in ASCII Comma Delimited Format (.csv).

Data can be easily read as an Excel™ data file or imported into other grade book programs such as Blackboard Learning System, Web Assign and WebCT.

Software Site Licensed

When INTERWRITEPRS® is purchased, the software is site licensed to the institution purchasing it.

This allows any number of copies to be made for computers owned by the institution or used for teaching at the institution. Also, free upgrades are available on our software page.

INTERWRITEPRS® RF Software

Operating System Support

Windows, Mac and Linux
Question Types Supported

Multiple Choice (including multiple correct), True/False, Answer Series, Numeric (including positive/negative, decimal point and fractions), Short Answer
Modes

Live Polling, Self-Paced, Homework (offline)
PowerPoint Integration

Yes (Windows and Mac environments)
Question Authoring Tool

Yes (can also import questions from book publishers)
Confidence Levels

High/Low Confidence
Software License

Included with INTERWRITEPRS® purchase. No recurring fees.
Reporting Capabilities

A variety of reports can be produced, including: attendance, results for a single session, individual student or an entire semester-to-date performance report.
Grade Book

Includes integrated grade book. Can also export to Blackboard, WebCT, WebAssign and comma delimited files (Excel compatible).

INTERWRITEPRS® RF System

Frequency Band

2.4 GHz
Max. Number of Clickers per Hub

2047
Max. Number of Hubs

4
Operating Distance

150 Feet (free space)

INTERWRITEPRS® RF Clicker

Display

2-Line LCD
Keypad Buttons

0-9, -, T, F, A-E, Decimal Point
Battery Type

(3) AAA
Battery Life

20 Weeks (based on typical usage)

INTERWRITEPRS® RF Receive (Hub)

Computer Connection

USB
Power Supply

9V DC

INTERWRITEPRS® (Infrared) FAQ
INTERWRITEPRS® (RF) FAQ

Basics

What is the technology used for signal transmission?

INTERWRITEPRS® uses infrared technology similar to a TV remote. The transmitters ("clickers") operate at a range of up to 60 ft. from the receivers. It has proven to be very reliable and operates on a “line of sight” so it will not interfere with radio frequency equipment or other systems in adjacent rooms.

How many students (transmitters) can participate in a session?

There is no known technical upper limit to the number of transmitters ("clickers") that can be used. Limiting factors may apply more to practical teaching limits. Several of our customers have 400 to 500 seat lecture halls fully equipped with INTERWRITEPRS® transmitters and they are regularly used to full capacity.

How many receivers do I need?

There is no hard and fast rule but we recommend one receiver for about every 40 transmitters ("clickers").

Why do I need multiple receivers in larger classrooms?

A receiver can accept only one signal at a time. When it receives a signal, it will not accept another for approximately one tenth of a second. Multiple receivers reduce this signal jamming and allows the input from more transmitters ("clickers") be received in a short amount of time

Are there recurring registration charges for students?

No, the transmitters ("clickers") are owned. No online fees or registration fees are assessed.

Classroom Techniques

Can the students see each other’s answers?

The INTERWRITEPRS® software allows you to choose whether or not the answers will show in the screen grid boxes. Most teachers prefer not to show the answers in order to encourage student participation in a non-threatening manner.

How are the results reviewed with the class?

At the completion of a question (the question period is stopped or the time runs out) a histogram will appear that gives the results of student responses. The instructor can also choose to display the correct answer if so desired. This is a great opportunity for discussion with the class and to determine whether more review on a subject is needed.

How do I review the results after class?

INTERWRITEPRS® software has a “Review Session” feature that allows you to see the results of a session on both an aggregate class basis or the results of individual students. In addition, the student responses are saved in a comma delimited format (.csv) which allows the data to be imported into a variety of other applications including Notepad, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.

What types of questions can I use? Are there any limitations?

The transmitters ("clickers") have keys that include alpha numeric values. (i.e. 1A, 2B, 3C, 4D, 5E, 6F, 7G, 8H, 9I, 0J) Additionally, “High” confidence and “Low” confidence keys are also provided to allow students the ability to indicate their level of confidence with their responses.

Multiple choice options are therefore limited to 10 choices (each question can be configured from two to 10 individually). Numeric mode questions are also supported, allowing a numeric value to be recorded.

Hardware & Installation

What batteries does the transmitter ("clicker") use and how long do they last?

A INTERWRITEPRS® transmitter uses two AAA batteries (one set of batteries is included with the purchase). The transmitter automatically shuts off after 15 minutes of inactivity, to help conserve the batteries. With fairly frequent classroom use, we find the batteries last about a year.

Does the transmitter ("clicker") have a built-in code so that students could have the same ID for all of their classes?

The most commonly used transmitter has a Fixed ID (6 digit). This can be assigned to individual students and responses recorded as such. There is also a Programmable ID version of the INTERWRITEPRS® transmitter that requires the school to ensure they are unique in a class and no duplication of numbers.

How are the receivers powered?

An AC power adapter is included with a primary receiver pack. Our standard AC adapter can power up to four receivers in a chain. We also offer a heavy duty power supply that can power up to 12 receivers in a chain.

How are the receivers connected to the computer?

The primary receiver set includes a three-way cable that connects to the serial port of the computer. If the computer does not have a serial port, a serial-to-USB adapter can be used and is available at an additional cost.

How are the receivers connected together?

The receivers are daisy chained in series with each other. Each receiver has an “in” and an “out” connection. The “out” connects to the computer or another receiver in the chain. The “in” is connected to the “out” of a receiver or left empty if it is the end of the line or the only receiver.

How are the receivers fastened?

There are several ways to do this. Each receiver has a threaded connection on the side that accepts a ¼” x 20 machine screw. Interwrite Learning sells an adjustable mounting bracket (see accessories page). The receiver is very light (about 4.5 oz.) and some have reported using self adhesive tape or Velcro.

Where should I place the receiver in a large classroom?

The receivers should be placed so that a given transmitter ("clicker") signal is detected by only one receiver for efficient use of the INTERWRITEPRS® equipment. This can be accomplished by placement in separate locations in the room. In large lecture halls the receivers are often located in the ceiling or along the side walls. There are several ways to do this. Each receiver has a threaded connection on the side that accepts a ¼” x 20 machine screw. Interwrite Learning sells an adjustable mounting bracket (see accessories page). The receiver is very light (about 4.5 oz.) and some have reported using self adhesive tape or Velcro.

Receiver placement considerations include:

  • Make sure height is sufficient to avoid any obstructions of the signal (e.g. the presenter, podium, etc.)
  • Adjacent receivers should be kept 20-36 feet apart.
  • In a tiered room, receivers on the side should be place higher than the ones toward the front of the room
    so that people in the back of the room are pointing at a slightly upward angle.

When should I use the wireless transceivers to connect INTERWRITEPRS®?

The wireless transceivers are best used where the location of the computer relative to the receivers makes the installation either complicated or expensive. It allows the connection of the computer and one or more groups of receivers to be accomplished without cables. Some customers have reported that the wireless systems are a significant cost savings when it is necessary to hire a contractor or pay the Physical Plant staff to run receiver cables.

Software

What are the software license restrictions?

When INTERWRITEPRS® is purchased, the software is site licensed to the institution purchasing it for use with the INTERWRITEPRS® hardware. This means that any number of copies may be made for computers owned by the institution on which INTERWRITEPRS® hardware will be used. Copies may also be made for personally owned computers used for class preparation or teaching at the purchasing institution.

How can I upgrade my INTERWRITEPRS® software?

Existing users can download the latest software at: http://www.interwritelearning.com

How can I use my Microsoft® PowerPoint files with INTERWRITEPRS®?

INTERWRITEPRS® software is an independent application that operates on Windows or Macintosh OSX platforms and can easily import graphics for INTERWRITEPRS® generated questions. For Windows users, a Microsoft® PowerPoint Add-In is also provided. This INTERWRITEPRS® Add-In allows any Microsoft® PowerPoint slide to become a INTERWRITEPRS® question slide for quizzing and polling.

Can questions and student responses and grades easily be exported to a data file for use in Microsoft® Excel or student management systems such as WebCT and BlackBoard?

Data is saved in a simple ASCII comma delimited file format (.CSV) that can be easily read as an Excel data file or imported into other grade book programs. Questions are saved in an XML format to support a standards-based approach.

How do I create questions using INTERWRITEPRS®?

Questions can be easily created through several methods. A simple question authoring tool is included in the INTERWRITEPRS® package. Also included is a PowerPoint add-in module that allows you to quickly and easily turn any Microsoft® PowerPoint slide into a INTERWRITEPRS® question slide. An XML import capability is also included which allows prepared questions, responses and correct answers provided by book publishers to be quickly imported into your Lesson. Questions may also be created “on-the-spot” during your class time with INTERWRITEPRS®.

Can I import graphics into my questions?

Yes, the INTERWRITEPRS® software supports standard graphic formats such as .jpeg.. .png, and .gif.

Can a question be created "on the fly" during a class?

Questions may be created “on-the-fly” during a session by using the Add Question function. This activates the INTERWRITEPRS® Question Authoring tool where you can type in your question. You can also utilize pen-based tools, such as the Underwrite Pad, to create freehand questions in the graphic window section of the Authoring tool.

Can the results of a question be displayed “on the spot”?

The software allows you to set each question to show a graph of the immediate audience responses compared to the correct answer, or mask the correct answer until all of the questions have been presented. INTERWRITEPRS® can be run in a No Lesson mode, where the questions are in a separate application, or even written separately, such as on a blackboard.

How does a student tell if their response to a question has been received? Can the students change their responses?

INTERWRITEPRS® uses a response map, displayed by a projector that acknowledges when a response has been received by changing colors. The projected image from INTERWRITEPRS® will display a “grid”, or response map, which can include items such as the students name, nickname or unique transmitter ("clicker") ID based on preference settings. The response map is shown when a question is displayed and can either be a rolling response map, where it fills up and overwrites, or it can be set up to provide a specific location on the screen a student would look for their responses. Response maps can be any size.

INTERWRITEPRS® includes a chances option on each question, which allows students to change their responses on these questions. The settings value can be set from 1 to 99, based on instructor preferences. Only the last response is counted. The number of times a student responded is also tracked in the session.

Does the INTERWRITEPRS® software have a “summary” feature that allows the instructor to immediately display the results for a particular question (e.g., as a histogram) for class discussion?

Yes, responses can be displayed in a graph format allowing the instructor to visually see the distribution of responses. A “% Correct” value is also provided for each question providing further information to the instructor. The correct answer can be toggled on/off supporting the instructor’s teaching methods. At the end of the question, the instructor can click to see the detail on whom responded and their specific response in a table fashion.

INTERWRITEPRS® also includes an instructor window, which if a dual display environment is used, the instructor can see the responses for a question as students are responding. This allows the instructor to pause and provide any additional information if desired.

Is the INTERWRITEPRS® software/hardware that drives the system compatible with other transmitters ("clickers")/receivers? Other software applications?

INTERWRITEPRS® software is proprietary and operates only with the INTERWRITEPRS® hardware at this time. As such, the INTERWRITEPRS® software is provided at no additional charge for INTERWRITEPRS® hardware users. INTERWRITEPRS® uses XML and .csv files to provide a very broad standards-based approach.

INTERWRITEPRS® hardware is supported by other companies, including but not limited to, Turning Technologies, RxShow and AllPlay. GTCO CalComp actually publishes a INTERWRITEPRS® API that allows any software developer to work with our hardware.

What technical support is available for INTERWRITEPRS®?

Live phone support is available at 1-800-856-0732 or 1-480-443-2214 (outside the US). You may also submit your question through our online form. In addition, our support site provides you with a Support Forum where you can discuss your INTERWRITEPRS® questions and issues with fellow INTERWRITEPRS® users, training videos and the Interwrite PRS User's Guide.

 

INTERWRITEPRS® RF

Basics

What is the technology used for signal transmission?

The INTERWRITEPRS® RF system operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range and uses a Direct Spread Spectrum Sequence (DSSS) technology. Range for the system in Free Space is 150 feet.

How many students (Clickers) can participate in a session?

There can be 2047 Clickers used per Receiver. Up to 4 Receivers can be used concurrently, making the theoretical limit for the system 8,188 Clickers.

Are there recurring registration charges for students?

No, there are no ongoing registration fees required of the school or the students to continue using the system. The only cost of the INTERWRITEPRS® RF system is the hardware. The initial cost is up front—purchasing the system. The only recurring costs are for replacement batteries.

Can the RF Clickers be set up as Loaners?

Yes. The INTERWRITEPRS® RF Clickers are configurable and can be set up as Loaners, which allows them to be shared with other students. The RF Clicker configured as a Loaner will prompt the student to enter his or her Student ID each time the student joins an RF Class. The Student ID is purged from the Clicker’s memory when it is turned off. With the student-owned model, the Student ID is entered just once and is permanently stored in the Clicker’s memory.

Can the INTERWRITEPRS® RF System be used in Anonymous mode?

Yes. Anonymous mode gives the instructor the option of collecting students’ responses without the associated Student ID that identifies the student. Anonymous mode is set when the RF Class is started.

Do I need to manually create a roster?

No. INTERWRITEPRS® RF provides the ability to easily and reliably associate a specific student in the class with a specific Clicker. Using this information, the class roster is then automatically created. The Clicker ID is captured with the Student ID at the time the student joins the class and participates in a INTERWRITEPRS® Session. As such, a direct and immediate association is established between the student and the Clicker. In the model where the student owns the Clicker, this relationship remains a constant. In the model where the Clicker is loaned to the student for the class, the association between the Student ID and the Clicker ID is temporary and exists only for the duration of the Session. When the Clickers are shared, the Clicker ID will be associated with different Student IDs as different students use them.

What batteries do the RF Clickers use and how long do they last?

The INTERWRITEPRS® RF Clicker uses three (3) AAA batteries – standard alkaline batteries. One set of batteries is included with the purchase. The batteries are installed in the battery compartment, the cover of which is secured with a screw. The average life expectancy of the three AAA batteries in the INTERWRITEPRS® RF Clicker is estimated at 26 weeks with typical use. Variations in battery life will occur based on the unit’s sleep time setting and on how often Self Paced Test and Homework modes, which typically consume more power, are used. The INTERWRITEPRS® RF Clicker has a battery level indicator that displays at power up. A diagnostic battery display in the Setup Menu provides an indication of the percentage of battery life remaining. When the battery gets very low, the PRS RF Clicker will display a “Low Battery” warning.

Hardware and Installation

How are the RF Receivers powered and connected to the computer?

The INTERWRITEPRS® RF Receiver is attached to the computer via the provided 15-foot USB cable and requires a power supply. The power supply provided is an international power supply and includes power supply adapters for various countries. You will need to install the power supply adapter used in your country in order to use the power supply.

How can I add additional RF Receivers?

Up to 4 Receivers can be used with one INTERWRITEPRS® system. Each Receiver requires its own USB connection and power supply.

Where should I place the RF Receiver in the classroom?

The INTERWRITEPRS® RF system is a very portable system. The Receiver does not rely on line-of-sight transmission, so a special wall mount is not necessary. The only caveat regarding the placement of the RF Receiver is that it should not be located near anything made of metal, including the computer box. Metal serves as a shield to the RF signal. Otherwise, after the Receiver is connected to the computer, it can be placed anywhere in the room.

Is the INTERWRITEPRS® RF system RoHS-compliant?

Yes. The INTERWRITEPRS® RF system complies with the European Union’s strict environmental standards referred to as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). INTERWRITEPRS® RF is compliant for the following six substances restricted by the RoHS regulations: Lead, Hexavalent Chromium, Mercury, Polybrominated Biphenyls, Polybrominated Biphenyl ethers, and Cadium. Lack of Data Collision and Interference from Other Systems

How many channels does the INTERWRITEPRS® RF system use and how does it find a channel?

The INTERWRITEPRS® RF system partitions the 2.4GHz frequency band into 78 separate channels with two PN code options, providing up to 156 channel combinations. Of these 156 channels, 26 are allocated to broadcasting class information from the Receiver. The 130 remaining channels are used to send data from the Clickers to the Receiver. The INTERWRITEPRS® RF Receiver selects channels dynamically. At startup, the Receiver performs a scan of the entire 2.4GHz spectrum and selects the channels that have the least amount of RF energy. This ensures that, in all likelihood, other products operating in the 2.4GHz band will be avoided. Channels 1-9 and A-D are the designated channels used by the RF Receiver to broadcast the class. INTERWRITEPRS® will display the assigned channel to provide a quick jump directly to that channel, so students can avoid having to wait for the scan to complete, which can take several minutes.

Can the RF Receiver detect conflicting RF Receivers in adjacent areas?

The INTERWRITEPRS® RF Receiver scans the entire environment and looks for energy on all channels in the 2.4GHz frequency band in order to avoid other INTERWRITEPRS® RF Receivers in nearby classrooms. The INTERWRITEPRS® RF Receiver also broadcasts a 16-bit Receiver ID as a unique identifier for the Clickers in the classroom.

How does INTERWRITEPRS® RF deal with interference from or with other radio sources?

INTERWRITEPRS® RF uses a DSSS (Direct Spread Spectrum Sequence) technology called Wireless USB that provides a high level of noise immunity from other systems. With DSSS, the signal is spread across the entire channel and reconstructed at the Receiver. By spreading the signal across the channel, INTERWRITEPRS® RF minimizes interference with other systems that might be in close proximity.

Classroom Techniques

What types of questions are supported by the INTERWRITEPRS® RF Clickers?

The RF Clicker keys include the numbers 0 through 9; alpha characters A through E, T and F; a decimal point; and the minus (negative) sign. The entire alphabet can be accessed by pressing one of the alpha keys and scrolling up or down to the desired letter. A forward slash can be entered into an answer by pressing the decimal point key twice. A space can be entered by pressing the decimal point key three times.

Question types supported by INTERWRITEPRS® RF include Single Answer Multiple Choice, Multiple Correct Multiple Choice, True/False, Answer Series, Numeric, and Survey. Lettered response choices or numbered response choices can be designated for both of the Multiple Choice question types, and for Answer Series and Survey question types.

How do students enter their responses on the Clicker and will they know when their responses have been received?

The INTERWRITEPRS® RF Clicker has an LCD display that is 2 lines by 16 characters. The keys pressed by the student appear on the first line of the display. The second line shows status messages returned by INTERWRITEPRS®. The response is sent when the Send/Enter key is pressed. A status message, such as Received, will appear on the second line of the Clicker display when the response has been processed.

Can the students change their responses?

The instructor can set the number of chances, from 1 to 99, a student has to answer a question. INTERWRITEPRS® tracks the number of times a student responds to a question. Only the last response is saved.

How are the results reviewed with the class?

When the question timer is stopped, or time runs out, a Response Chart is displayed. The Response Chart graphs the distribution of the responses to the question and the correct response (instructor’s choice). Students and instructors appreciate the instant feedback. It opens up opportunities for discussion and reveals areas of weakness in the level of comprehension of the material being covered.

How do I review the results of a session at a later time?

The INTERWRITEPRS® software has a “Review Session” feature that allows you to go over the results of a session at any time. Session results, the students’ responses, are saved in a comma-delimited, CSV file, which can be viewed in a variety of applications, including Microsoft Excel, Notepad, and Word.

Software

What are the software license restrictions?

When INTERWRITEPRS® is purchased, the software is site-licensed to the institution purchasing it for use with the INTERWRITEPRS® hardware. This means that the institution has the right to make as many copies of INTERWRITEPRS® as needed for use on the institution’s computers that are connected to the INTERWRITEPRS® hardware. Copies of INTERWRITEPRS® can also be made for personally owned computers that are used for class preparation or teaching at the purchasing institution.

Does the latest version of the INTERWRITEPRS® software work with both IR and RF Clickers?

Yes. The INTERWRITEPRS® software labeled version 4 works with both IR and RF Clickers. When you set up your INTERWRITEPRS® class, you will specify the type of Clickers that will be used in the class—RF only, IR only, or both RF and IR. If both RF and IR Clickers are going to be used in the class, you will need to install both an IR Receiver and an RF Receiver.

How can I upgrade my INTERWRITEPRS® software?

Current users can download the latest software from our downloads page.

How can I use my Microsoft® PowerPoint files with INTERWRITEPRS®?

Any slide in a PowerPoint Slide Show can be turned into a INTERWRITEPRS® Question Slide. We have developed a INTERWRITEPRS® PowerPoint Add-in for both Mac and Windows users that makes it easy to set up INTERWRITEPRS® question slides in PowerPoint. All of the INTERWRITEPRS® question types are supported by the INTERWRITEPRS® Add-in.

Can questions, student responses and grades be exported to a data file for use in Microsoft® Excel or one of the course management systems, such as WebCT or Blackboard?

INTERWRITEPRS® response data are saved in an ASCII, comma-delimited .CSV format. This is an Excel file format that can be imported into a number of grade book applications. INTERWRITEPRS® questions are saved in an industry-standard .XML format.

How do I create questions using INTERWRITEPRS®?

Questions can be easily created in several ways. A question authoring tool is included in the INTERWRITEPRS® software. You can use this authoring tool not only to create questions in INTERWRITEPRS®, but to insert a new question or insert an existing question from your lesson library. The PowerPoint Add-in module provides a way to quickly and easily turn any Microsoft® PowerPoint slide into a INTERWRITEPRS® question slide. The XML import function makes it possible to import prepared questions, responses and correct answers provided by book publishers into your Lesson. And finally, ad hoc questions can be created “on the fly” during a INTERWRITEPRS® Session.

Can I import graphics into my questions?

Yes, the INTERWRITEPRS® software supports standard graphic formats such as .jpeg, .png, and .gif.

Can a question be created "on the fly" during a class?

Questions can be created “on-the-fly” during a session by using either the Insert New Question or the Insert Existing Question function. This activates the INTERWRITEPRS® question authoring tool, which is used to compose your question and response choices, if appropriate. You can use pen-based tools, such as the Interwrite Pad, to create freehand questions in the graphic window section of the authoring tool.

Can the results of a question be displayed “on the spot”?

The software provides the option to automatically show a graph of the audience responses as soon as the question timer expires or is stopped. Other option settings allow the instructor to show the correct answer for each question or hide the correct answer until after all of the questions have been presented. INTERWRITEPRS® can be run in a No Lesson mode, where the questions originate in a separate application, or are written on a blackboard or displayed on an overhead projector. Even in No Lesson mode, responses are automatically charted and displayed.

Does the INTERWRITEPRS® software have a “summary” feature that allows the instructor to immediately display a question’s results for class discussion?

Yes. Responses can be displayed in a graph format allowing the instructor and students to see the distribution of responses. A “% Correct” value can be selected for each question’s responses, providing additional information for the instructor. The correct answer can be toggled on or off – depending on the instructor’s teaching style. At the end of a question, the instructor can view the details of the responses – who responded and their individual responses – in a tabular format.

Is the INTERWRITEPRS® system software and hardware compatible with other Clickers or Receivers?

With other software applications?

The INTERWRITEPRS® software is proprietary and operates only with the INTERWRITEPRS® RF and IR hardware at this time. The INTERWRITEPRS® software is provided at no additional charge to INTERWRITEPRS® hardware users. INTERWRITEPRS® employs XML and CSV file formats to provide a very broad standards-based approach that supports the exchange of INTERWRITEPRS® data with numerous course management systems and grading applications. In addition, eInstruction® publishes a INTERWRITEPRS® API that makes it possible for software developers to interface their applications with our hardware.

What technical support is available for INTERWRITEPRS® RF?

Live phone support is available at 1-800-856-0732 or 1-480-443-2214 (outside the US). Or, you can submit your question via our online form. In addition, our support site maintains a Support Forum, where you can discuss your INTERWRITEPRS® questions and issues with fellow INTERWRITEPRS® users and access training videos and the INTERWRITEPRS® User’s Guide.

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Help Files

How To's

Technical Bulletins

Tech Tips

Troubleshooting Tips

Miscellaneous

The INTERWRITEPRS® XML Specification provides publishers with a standard specification for creating PRS Lesson content. Download the ZIP file for documentation, DTD and examples.

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