Tablet PC: Investigating a New Instructional Technology

Jim Lockard, Environmental Science Teacher

• $2,888 — Purchase one ThinkPad, WijetG software to connect the tablet to the projector, and miscellaneous software.
• Impacts approximately 140 science students Grades 11 and 12 with cost per student of $20.63.
• When Shawnee Mission installed networked computers 16 years ago, we were on the leading edge of technology. This grant to purchase hardware will help explore the instructional potential of multimedia, simulation games, the Internet, handhelds, and probe-ware in instruction to re-gain that edge.

A new type of computer has been gaining popularity in the last few years [2006 and earlier] – the Tablet PC. It is a laptop computer with a touch screen instead of a normal screen. With its handwriting recognition and note taking software added to the functionality of a laptop, the tablet PC has the potential to be a revolutionary classroom tool. Imagine handing a Tablet PC to a student and having them solve the problem or diagram a sentence or show and annotate their PowerPoint as the class watches the screen, talk about a valuable experience!

The purpose of this grant is to investigate using a tablet PC in the classroom by determining:

• Does it make a lecture come alive by including video clips, java applets and animations?
• When used with the projector (already present) does it provide a smart-board like experience at a reduced cost?
• Can it be used outside the classroom (i.e. field biology) to efficiently take down information?
• Can the note taking ability of this device be used efficiently?
• Are there other uses for which it is suited?

Upon acquisition and installation of the software, first PowerPoint lectures and then other applications will be displayed via the device. Data will be collected on field trips. Students will be surveyed on instructional effectiveness and results will be reported in an article submitted for publication. Additionally, the uses of the technology will be demonstrated at faculty meetings, department meetings, and the science curriculum council.

When Shawnee Mission installed networked computers 16 years ago, we were on the leading edge of using technology. That is no longer the case. This is one small attempt to get back to that leading edge. Mr. Lockard has been one of the first teachers to use multimedia, simulation games, the Internet, handhelds, and probe-ware in instruction. He thinks the tablet PC has real potential and would use this grant to investigate that potential.

Grant awarded February 2006