Teaching, Learning & Technology

[#1]

I frequently get asked for examples of how tablet PCs can be used in the classroom. In addition to my own “Gallery” of higher education projects funded by HP grants, there is a second edition of what I call The WIPTE Books – featuring exemplary papers presented at Purdue earlier this summer…

This most recent edition is a compilation of the best papers from the 2nd annual WIPTE conference, entitled “The Impact of Tablet PCs and Pen-based Technology on Education, 2007: Beyond the Tipping Point” http://www.amazon.com/Impact-Tablet-Pen-based-Technology-Education/dp/1557534616/ref=sr_1_2/002-9463....

The first edition was published under the title, “The Impact of Tablet PCs and Pen-based Technology on Education: Vignettes, Evaluations, and Future Directions” (http://www.amazon.com/Impact-Tablet-Pen-based-Technology-Education/dp/1557534349/ref=sr_1_1/002-9463...).

I highly recommend both books. When you get a chance to read them, let me know what you think!

Jim Vanides, B.S.M.E, 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

[#2]

Since I teach high school math, I need to move around the classroom continuously to put out fires and help struggling students. Since I discovered how to send my Tablet PC screen to the SmartBoard, I am no longer chained to the front of the classroom. I can move to a student who isn't paying attention, is otherwise off task, or who has a question. I often allow students to write on my Tablet to present their work to the class. This is a big treat and motivator for them.

To make this happen, you have a projector-connected PC communicating to the SmartBoard. On this PC you bring up the SmartBoard control panel and select "Mobile and Wireless Device Settings." In the next window check the box "Start the Mobile Device Manager."

To allow your Tablet PC to communicate with the "SmartBoard" computer, you will need to download the free LINQ software from Smart Technologies Web site: http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Support/Downloads/default.htm/.

Starting the LINQ software on my Tablet, I normally specify the IP address of the other computer. Once the Tablet PC finds the SmartBoard computer on your local network, you are able to send your screen to the other computer and have it projected on the SmartBoard. Both my Tablet PC and "SmartBoard" PC are on the same wireless network which enables me to move about the room, or anywhere there is an access point to our network. Sometimes there is a slight delay depending on network traffic, but usually the delay is negligible.

You can use any application on your Tablet and send your screen to the other PC, providing it does not consume too much bandwidth on your network. Video would probably not be advised. When the network isn't slow, I can even send my SmartBoard Notebook screens from the Tablet. Most of the time, however, I use OneNote, preparing OneNote pages in advance. I will discuss how I use OneNote in a later post.

I used to do my lessons with my back to the class. Now, with my Tablet PC and the SmartBoard Mobile Device Manager, I can be constantly on the move and go wherever I want. I don't think I would teach any other way now.