There has been a lot of interest in 1:1 computing in the classroom, where every student has their own computer. While I think 1:1 and even 2:1 (pairs of students sharing a computer) can support an active learning environment, I have been reminded lately that even ONE tablet PC in a classroom can make a real difference in instruction.
One example comes from an HP Technology for Teaching grant recipient team at Murray State University, in Murray, Kentucky (USA). Dr. Terry Derting (Bio Sciences) and Dr. Ricky Cox (Chemistry) have been using HP Tablet PCs since 2004, and were recently awarded an HP Technology for Teaching Leadership award to continue and expand their work. They are using Tablet PCs to support active learning exercises that included opportunities for students to be presenters. This, combined with the enhanced lecturing and lecture notes that can be easily incorporated with a Tablet PC, is creating some positive results. From their project website, they describe that:
“…before tablet implementation, students in an introductory chemistry course were scoring in the 53rd percentile in the nation on a standardized chemistry exam. This course is now taught using the one-tablet model and students score in the 70th percentile and report that this instructional model promotes teaching effectiveness and student learning.”
reference: http://www.cfkeep.org/html/snapshot.php?id=59947744253974
You can also hear and view a presentation & discussion with Dr. Cox describing his experience with the “One Tablet Classroom” at a recent HP Online Speaker Series conference call that has been recorded and archived by the University of Wisconsin, at http://www.uwex.edu/ics/stream/uwc-rock/hp/. According to Dr. Cox:
"Our experience has shown that the one-tablet model can enhance the process and product of a lecture-style classroom while providing opportunities to adopt a more student-centered environment through peer-led activities. For some faculty, the one-tablet classroom may be the appropriate teaching model while other faculty may use this model as a starting point for an expanded integration of tablet PCs in a multi-tablet classroom."
The take-home message in my mind is that Exemplary Instruction combined with the right technology are critical factors that drive student learning improvements.
So what are the characteristics of “exemplary instruction”, especially in higher education? I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts…
Jim Vanides, M.Ed.
Program Manager - Worldwide Higher Education Philanthropy
Hewlett-Packard
For information about the HP Technology for Teaching philanthropy initiative in higher education, visit www.hp.com/go/hpteach-hied
