FAQs about the Classroom Performance System;
Find answers to your most commonly asked questions here.
1 What is CPS ?
CPS is an easy-to-use Student Response System. CPS stands for
Classroom Response System. You will also see this kind of product
referred to as an ARS( Audience Response System), CRS(Student
Response System, or as a Classroom Polling System. Some people refer
to them simply as “clickers”. CPS from eInstruction is available in either an
IR or RF version.

2 "Can you import questions from other (non-CPS) databases?"
Currently, you have to copy and paste the questions in manually.
While, you can import databases from one CPS database to another, there
is not a direct import capability in the system right now. If you can print out
these databases as questions, you can use FASTGRADE to create an
answer key and use the questions with CPS, bypassing the need to import
them
3 "What is the range of the pads (how far away from the receiver unit
can a student sit)?"
The range on the IR pads is upwards of 80 feet. While CPS works at
this distance, it is optimal from a performance standpoint to stay within
35-40 feet. RF pads can work up to 200 feet.
4 "What is the maximum number of pads that can be used in a
classroom?"
Currently, CPS IR is recommended for use with at most 64 pads. It
can be used with more, but this is the optimum number. Our CPSR RF
LCD pads and the higher education-only pads where students register
over the Web, support an unlimited number of pads in any one class.

5 "Can I import graphics into my questions?"
Yes, you can just point to a graphic on your desktop and with a click
it will be imported to CPS, as long as it is in a supported file format.
6 "What type of graphics does CPS support?"
The CPS software supports the graphics standards – .jpeg, .gif
and .bmp.
7 "Does CPS work on a Mac?"
In January of 2002, eInstruction completed the CPS for the Mac
version 1.0. We are delighted to let Mac users know that they can now use
CPS without having to run the Virtual PC Software. This native Mac
application allows teachers to create and deliver lessons, quizzes and
tests. Students are easily associated with a specific response pad. The
latest version of CPS Mac , version 1.3 has many new features. A new
Mac Version , Version 2.0 is slated for release in late 2009. It is a free
update .
8 "Can I share questions/lessons with other teachers?"
Yes! CPS is designed to leverage a group effort. So teachers could
divide up a book or content area and then merge the files into one large
database very easily.
9 "Will the CPS software handle foreign languages?"
Simply copy and paste your foreign language questions into CPS
from any PC Windows application, and you are off and running with the
foreign language of your choice.
10 "What is the warranty on the equipment?"

The Classroom Performance System comes with a 5 year on the
IR version for failures that are not caused by misuse. CPS RF pads include
a 3 year warranty.
11 "Can I have the CPS software on my computer at home?"
eInstruction encourages teachers to install CPS on their home
computer and create questions to use the next day, week or semester in
class.
12 "Does CPS come with a site license for the software?"
Yes, it is a site license.
13 "Is CPS portable?"
CPS is extremely portable and can be carried from one class to the
next.
14 "Do you need a projector/TV to use CPS or can you use CPS without
any projection system?"
While some type of projection is optimal and is used in most cases.
CPS can be used with a computer ready TV, but keep in mind the largest
CRT TV in a classroom is typically 32 inches, and is difficult to see from
the year of the room. However, as we have seen LCD and Plasma TVs
grow in size and drop in price, these are becoming a viable display option,
particularly with smaller groups. A data video projector is the best way for
all students to be able to see the questions since a screen up to 10x10 can
be supported in a typical classroom However, CPS COULD be used
without any projection at all. Teachers can use an overhead projector to
project a question or simply verbalize the question to the students.
However, the visual cues you can include in CPS questions would be

missing in such a scenario A PC ( or Mac) is required for any use of CPS.
15 "Can I view a report on an individual student?"
Yes. After any session, you can access an individual student report
detailing how a student answers every question. Additionally, eInstruction
will release an upgraded reporting system that will allow teachers to look at
a student’s scores instantly across multiple sessions.
16 "Can I show the results in the form of a histogram?"
Yes. CPS allows you to display the results in a horizontal bar graph,
a vertical bar graph, and a pie chart.
17 "How many schools are using CPS?"
Click schools using CPS to see the breadth of schools and
businesses using CPS. As of early 2009, eInstruction has over
3,000 ,000 response pads in the market place. We will periodically update
this number for you. Currently, we are in all 50 states and 10 countries
worldwide. These schools range from pre-K to higher education as the
pads are simple and non-threatening, fit easily into a small child's hand
and are durable enough to be taken from class to class on a higher ed
campus.
18-Do I need an interactive whiteboard( aka “smart board”) to use CPS?
No. However, CPS works with any and all interactive whiteboards on the
market. With the merger of eInstruction and Interwrite learning, eInstruction
can also offer a package of whiteboard with software that allows CPS and
Examview questions to be integrated into the Whiteboard software( in this

case, Interwrite Workspace). However, the CPS toolbar, once engaged,
will “float” above any other software on your computer, including
Powerpoint, Word, Excel, SMART Notebook, and Promethean Activstudio.
You can also use the CPS Chalkboard of the new Mobi wireless tablet in
place of a whiteboard. Or use those tablets with your existing whiteboard.
The Mobi has the unique capability to have up to 9 mobis attached to the
same computer and inputing onto the same screen.
19-I saw a CPS RF pads for sale on Ebay/Craig’s list . Can I purchase that
pad and use it in my K-12 classroom ?
No. Typically the pads sold on line are those used in Higher Education
and are different from those used in K-12, although their outward
appearance is the same. They require an activation code, purchased with
the pads, that sends a name and number to an online roster the professor
downloads. They cannot be converted to “K-12 pads”.
20 "How long has the product been on the market?"
The current CPS Software was released in December of 1999. The
first generation of eInstruction response pads was developed in 1996.
Response pad technology has been in use since the late 1980s.
21 "Can I use pads from one system and receiver unit with a different
set of pads and/or receiver unit?"
Yes. For users of the original Blue IR response pads, it works with
the newer White IR receiver and vice versa.

22 "Can I set the question to turn off automatically after a certain
amount of time?"
Yes, we have a timer feature.
23 "How many rosters can I have in my CPS system?"
There is no limit on the number of rosters that you can have.
24 "Can I use diskettes to bring CPS databases from home to my school
computer?"
Yes, as long as your database is no larger than 1.4mg(the size of a
3.5in floppy. A USB flash memory card is a much more practical way to
transfer files.
25 "How many different lessons can I have in one CPS database?"
There is no limit – as many as you need
26 "Is there a limit on the number of questions that I can have in a CPS
lesson?"
No.
27 "What sorts of guidelines for using CPS are available?"
EInstruction publishes a complete guide for building and using CPS
materials. It is available as part of the CPS purchase and is full of
instructional tips for being successful with the CPS materials.
28 "Is there any research available on results of using CPS?"
The following research articles have been written on the use of
interactive response units: the APF study and IBM study. From an
anecdotal standpoint, one of our teachers used CPS in the spring of 2000.

His General Biology class had a failure rate of 21% in the fall. That spring,
the failure rate dropped 15 points to 6%. This is a decrease of 71%.
An independent research group, Education Underwriters, released a report
that shows that CPS met the “gold standard” in terms of criteria for being in
alignment for the requirement of No Child Left Behind.
29 "How long will the batteries last?"
With typical usage, the batteries should last 1-2 years in the IR pads.
RF pads, because they power an LCD do not last as long. Also, keep in
mind all the batteries will typically not give out at one time, so you simply
replace batteries as needed. Rechargeable AAA ad AA batteries and
chargers have become fairly affordable and most teacher keep a charger
going with spare batteries and replace as needed.
30 "Do you have to point directly at the receiver unit in order to get
your response accepted?"
Not necessarily. We have examples of the IR receiver unit located in
the back of the classroom and students bouncing their signals off of a front
wall. We also have scenarios where students that are seated slightly in
front of the receiver unit (approximately 10 degrees) are successful in
continuously transmitting answers.
With the RF pads, the pad doesn’t’ need to be “aimed” at all.

31 "Can I use the Universal Serial Bus for my receiver unit?"
Yes. In the summer of 2004, eInstruction began shipping receivers
for the IR systems that worked with the USB port. Anyone who has one of
the older serial receivers can purchase a USB to serial adapter from
eInstruction or contact their local ‘ec” about upgrading to the latest
receiver. The lastest Pulse RF pads use an RF receiver that is in the
shape of USB “thumb drive”.
32 "What sort of content is available with CPS?"
EInstruction is partnering with a variety of school districts and
content providers to create CPS-ready content. We invite users to join with
us in extending this and sharing your content with other CPS users. Please
visit the CPS Content section of our site to view the latest content offering.
There is also some content that can be downloaded from the User
Community sections of our web site.
The new EI community website has hundreds of resources available for
free downloads : www.eicommunity.com. That site is open to even “non-
CPS” users as well as our current clients.
33 "What Technical Support is available with CPS?"
Live text chat and phone support is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00
PM CST, Monday through Friday. We have a submission form that can be
submitted from our Web site and we typically provide email response
within 24 hours. You can call in during the hours above to get phone
support – 888-333-4988
34 "Can I get training on CPS? "
EInstruction offers a number of training resources on their website,

including a large variety of free on line videos. ON site professional
development seminars are available for a reasonable fee, as are on line
“seminars”. However, there is a full interactive “manual” built into the “help
system” of the CPS software, which many people overlook and which can
be viewd or searched for a particular topic.
35 "Can I use CPS to grade my tests?"
Yes. Using our Student-Managed Assessment, a teacher can deliver
a single or multiple tests simultaneously. Students can advance through
the test at their own pace. After the teacher ends the session, the grades
are immediately compiled and scored. EInstruction has a patent pending
on this hardware/software interface.
36 "Can I create team and/or game activities with CPS? "
Yes. Using our Team Activities, you can construct a Jeopardy-like
board for review and collaborative learning exercises. You can have
multiple categories and point values in those categories.
CPS, since it supports the input of PowerPoint’s, would also allow you to
use PowerPoint-based games.
37 "How often does eInstruction provide releases to CPS and what is the
cost?"
EInstruction will typically provide yearly releases for CPS via our
Web site. In our 19-year history we have never charged for software
updates, we hope to continue this tradition.
38 "Can I build a new test/lesson out of other lessons from the same or

other databases?"
Using our Builder tool, teachers can pull questions from any CPS
lesson – in the current database they are in or other databases.
39 "Are there competing products to CPS?"
There are a number of companies that offer different types of
technology. There is no competing product on the market that allows
teachers to easily obtain student feedback as economically as CPS with
grade book, grade book standards reporting, class attendance, standards-
based cooperative learning activities, and standards-based activities. Only
CPS and eInstruction offers seamless integration with Examview-generate
test banks. CPS offers a plug in that works with PowerPoint. You don’t
have to import your PowerPoint’s, lose animations, graphics, and fonts.
Anyone can sell you a clicker. Only eInstruction offers a proven system ,
with standard-based content , useful reports that don’t require you be an
“excel guru” and seamless import of Examview test banks that accompany
more than 7,100 textbooks. If your goal is data-driven Instruction, not
“edutainment” , CPS is the only choice .
40 "Can you import rosters from grade books?"
To import a roster into CPS, the roster you are importing must be in
a CSV (Comma Separated Value) format.
41 "Can you export reports to data files or other grade books?"
CPS allows you to export student results to a spreadsheet. This
gives teachers the ultimate flexibility in taking the scores to their preferred
format.

42 "Will fluorescent lighting interfere with my receiver unit?"
In extremely rare situations strong fluorescent lighting could interfere
with your receiver unit's ability to pick up a signal, causing intermittent or
no response. To test this try turning out the lights. If you are able to get a
response with the lights off, then you will know that the lighting in your
room is interfering. To solve this, you may want to put a 'shield' over the
top of your receiver unit. A small box fashioned as a 'shelter' works well.
Some of our creative CPS customers have made 'hats' for their receiver
units. Both of these ideas work great.
43 "Old Databases, CPS._(OLD), What Is Going On?"
Upgrading CPS to the latest version will convert all databases
created in earlier versions to allow the latest version to open it.
Although this typically works with no problems , it is a good idea to back
up your data bases to an external source( CD, jump drive, external hard
drive) before you update your software…just in case.
44 "Can students verify the answers they enter on a student managed
test before handing in their paper?"
Yes, they can return to the first question after finishing the test and
enter their answers again. Each answer will blink green to verify that the
previous answer to the question is the same as the current answer you are
entering. If it blinks yellow on any question, the answer was changed from
the previous answer and you must evaluate that question again and make
sure you have your answer correctly entered. That is easily done by using
the left arrow and backing up to the question, then reentering your chosen

answer.
45 "Where doe schools typically find funding to buy CPS?
To date, einstruction has seen funding come from the following sources:
* Title I
* Title III
* Bond Money
* Technology Budget
* Discretionary Funds
* State and Federal Grant
* Tobacco Settlement Funds
* General Budget
* Special Education
* PTA/PTO
* State Standardized Testing Budget
If you got to the Professional Services page on www.eInstruction.com, the
Professional services group will provide assistance in locating and
applying for grants. There is no charge for this service with a simple
caveat: the goal of the grant has to be the acquisition of eInstruction
products.
47 "Can CPS be put on a network?"
The CPS program is not a client/server or network software
application therefore each user must have CPS installed on their own

system. CPS databases may be stored on a network so that multiple CPS
users can Import lessons, standards, and classes from a database stored
on the network to an individual user’s database. Please review the Import
instructions in the User’s Guide .
47 "Will the CPS IR technology interfere with my wireless network?"
No, the original, infrared pad which uses bundles of light to transmit
student responses, can be used without danger of interference with
wireless networks.
48 "Will the CPSRF technology interfere with my wireless network?"
CPSRF uses radio frequency to deliver a guaranteed response to
receiver units. The RF pads can interfere with other radio frequency based
devices such as Aerocomm transmitters. However, eInstruction has
anticipated this problem and made the RF system configurable. The
CPSRF system can be configured to protect against any interference with
other wireless networks.
49-I ‘ve seen CPS at school. Does eInstruction offer these products for
business use?
Yes. Nationally known companies such as John Deere and Walmart use
CPS for presentations and training. We also have an active program for
Federal Government Agencies, and groups such as NOAA, the
Department of Justice , and the various branches of the military, including ,

for example, the US Army Chaplain’s School at Fort Jackson are using
CPS. Anyone who does presentations or training can use CPS to make
these interactive and generate useful and incisive reports and data.
If you have a question not found here a good place to post it is the support
forum at www.eInstruction.com. This is a good site for asking “what if “ or
“Has anyone else” kinds of questions.
Technical questions are best asked directly to the tech support group .
Their toll free number is 888-333-4988
This FAQ list was updated on Nov 9, 2009. The answers here are accurate
to the best of my knowledge, subject to changes in eInstruction policies .
Your local eInstruction consultant can provide up to date information. To
find the nearest eInstruction consultant you can call this toll free number :
888-707-6819
Bill McIntosh
Authorized eInstruction Consultant
Phone:843-442-8888
Email :WKMcIntosh@Comcast.net