One of the common questions the Academic Technologies team receives is how to take attendance efficiently, and ideally, at no cost. Below is a list of various tools available, along with a discussion of the pros and cons, and a short training video for each option. For a deeper dive into the topic, Academic Technologies will be providing a Learning Series session about free attendance tool options on Dec. 5, 10-11a.m., via Zoom. Register online.
iClicker
For some instructors, iClicker is the preferred option for attendance tracking. iClicker is free for students to use if instructors use the "attendance only" feature. However, this free version does not sync with the Canvas Gradebook, which means that extra manual steps are required. Additionally, the "attendance only" feature can be somewhat misleading, often leading professors to unintentionally sign up their students for a paid license. To ensure that you are only using the free option, make sure you are working in the “Attendance” section of the iClicker website. View the training video.
Canvas Roll Call/Attendance
Another tool available within Canvas is the Roll Call/Attendance feature. This tool is particularly effective for smaller classes, allowing instructors to actively manage attendance in real-time. The Roll Call/Attendance tool is integrated with Canvas, meaning many instructors are already familiar with its interface. One of its significant advantages is the ability to sync directly with the Canvas Gradebook, streamlining the attendance and grading process. Instructors can also configure the tool to not count attendance towards the final grade, offering flexibility in its usage. However, this active recording process can be time-consuming, making it less suitable for larger classes where managing attendance manually is too time-consuming. View the training video.
Canvas Quizzes
It is also possible to use Canvas Quizzes to take attendance. Once set up, quizzes can be scheduled to be released automatically, and they can even be password-protected for added security. An added benefit is the potential to use quizzes as a student response system, gathering valuable feedback or conducting informal assessments. The main downside of these options is that using quizzes for attendance can clutter the Gradebook, especially if instructors use one for each day of class. The initial setup can also be time-consuming and somewhat tedious. View the training video.
Zoom
For those who conduct classes online, Zoom polling offers a practical solution. This tool is already integrated into Canvas, making it convenient for instructors who use Zoom for their virtual classes. Polls can be created before class and then launched during the meeting, making it a straightforward method for tracking attendance in real-time. However, using Zoom polling for live, in-person classes can be less practical, and its primary advantage lies in its seamless integration with online teaching. It is also important to note that Zoom polls cannot automatically sync with the Canvas Gradebook, so any instructor using this option would need to manually enter participation scores after each class. View the training video.
Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms, another free tool, can also be leveraged for attendance tracking. As part of the Microsoft 365 Suite, it is accessible to all instructors and can be particularly useful for large class sizes. Like Canvas Quizzes, Microsoft Forms can double as a student response system, providing valuable feedback or informal assessments. However, one notable drawback is that it does not sync with the Canvas Gradebook, necessitating manual data management. Additionally, compiling data from multiple forms into a single CSV file can be cumbersome. View the training video.
Overall, choosing the right attendance tracking tool depends on the specific needs and context of the class. Whether it’s the straightforward approach of iClicker, the integrated convenience of Roll Call/Attendance, the versatility of Canvas Quizzes, the online efficiency of Zoom polling, or the expansive reach of Microsoft Forms, instructors have various options to streamline attendance management effectively. Each tool comes with its own set of features and limitations, and understanding these can help instructors make an informed decision to enhance their classroom management.
Instructors interested in any of these options who would like to find out more can submit a ticket to nusupport@nebraska.edu. A member of the Academic Technologies team will reach out to you.