How to scan your students' answers

One of the many benefits of using Plickers is the quick and easy collection of student answers.

This is made possible by scanning student cards in class, and it's where the Plickers mobile app really comes into play.

We've described the process in detail further down the page, but if you'd prefer to watch our video on scanning Plickers cards in the classroom, feel free to do so below:

Before you start scanning    

At plickers.com, select the Now Playing button (top left-hand corner), and connect your computer to your projector/smartboard. This will enable your students to see your questions.

On the Plickers mobile app, select the Set you want to play.

Your first question will then show up like in the images below, as plickers.com and the app sync together:

You can now ask the class your question. To provide an answer, your students should hold their cards up so that the large black icon faces you.

Their desired choice should be located at the top edge of their card:

Scanning your students' cards   

Using the mobile app, you can now enter the scanner to collect your students' answers. Here's how:

1. Press the blue circle at the bottom of your app's question launchpad screen

2. Hold your device up so the camera faces your students' cards

   Try to include as much of the classroom as possible, while keeping the cards readable. 

3. Scan the room so that all student responses are logged

   Depending on your preference, you can hold your phone either vertically or horizontally.

     Tip

   If you need to move your phone to cover the full classroom, try to do it steadily and in stages. This will give the scanner the best chance of quickly reading all cards in the room.

   In the dropdown menu below, we've included an annotated diagram demonstrating the tools available to help judge the success of your scans.

   • 

       Tip

     If you see a gray dot on your screen, it's likely because the answer chosen isn't available. For example, if D is selected when only choices A, B and C are offered.

   Your students can use your projected display (the plickers.com Now Playing screen) to determine whether their answers have been logged. This will allow them to lower their card when appropriate, making your job easier.

   For example, in the image below, students Three, Six and Seven are all highlighted in blue because they have successfully answered the question.

   

     More info

   There are several display options you can utilize within the plickers.com Now Playing display, via the Student List and Display Options buttons. Click here to find out more.

4. When all responses are collected, tap the red  button to stop scanning

   You and your students will see the following screens:

   

And that's the scanning process complete! At this point, your app will be displaying the instant results screen (there's more info available on this in the next article).

When you've finished reviewing the results with your students, you can then move on to the next question by tapping on the icon. For further details on switching between questions, our How-to Guide is available here.