Beyond the Tablet Pc Using the Tablet Pc in a Collaborative Learning Environment

This research focuses on the use of the Tablet PC in education. The research explores the development of the Tablet PC and introduces the Classroom Presenter software. Implementation efforts of both the Tablet PC and the Classroom Presenter software at Coastal Carolina University are explored. INTRODUCTION The Tablet PC is a portable computer with functional capabilities beyond those of a traditional laptop. The main advantage to the Tablet PC is the additional use of a stylus for input. Additionally, there are software products made specifically for Tablet PC functionality. The Tablet PC is available as a slate or convertible model. The slate model has no keyboard where the convertible mode can be used as both a tablet and a traditional laptop by adjusting the screen position. The Tablet PC was first introduced as a prototype by Microsoft in 2001 as the next evolutionary stage of the traditional laptop [7]. For the 2002 release, Microsoft focused on having the Tablet PC used as a primary computer with writing and speech capabilities which would entice software companies to develop products specifically for the Tablet PC [7]. Since 2002, the Tablet PC has gained popularity and a number of manufactures including Mobile Computing, Compaq and Gateway now offer this mobile computer. Tablet PC Magazine [8] currently offers reviews on approximately fifty different Tablet PCs from over sixteen vendors. The Tablet PC finds itself useful in a number of environments including during travel, in business meetings and classrooms. TABLET PC TECHNOLOGY The technology behind the Tablet PC has been in development for decades. The significance of handwriting recognition for computers was realized in the 1980’s and pen computing development attempts were made until the mid 1990’s when handwriting recognition was determined substandard [2]. With a new focus on “inking” or marking electronic documents in lieu of attempting to convince users to abandon the keyboard with handwriting recognition technologies [2], Microsoft was able to positively market their product in an environment leery of handwriting recognition technologies. Though manufacturers of Tablet PCs offer a number of varieties of the Tablet PC computer, Microsoft determined standards for the entire system from the stylus input requirements to the operating system features [10]. Microsoft required the stylus of the Tablet PC to be equipped with an active radio frequency (RF) digitizer with a sample rate of at least 100 samples per second [10]. The stylus requirements result in smooth inking and the ability to hover the stylus over the screen [10]. Unlike traditional laptops which include the technology for supporting legacy devices requiring both BIOS support and ports for device connection, the Tablet PC was designed as a legacy-free system [10]. The prototype LCD was designed for high resolutions (1024 x 768), included technology to support the RF sensor grid, and was coated with a sturdy anti-glare film [10]. Microsoft decided not to support previous versions of Microsoft Windows and made a tablet version of Windows XP as the only operating system available for the Tablet PC [10]. Windows XP Tablet Edition includes software such as the Snipping Tool, One Note, Journal and Sticky Notes. The implementation of the Windows-based Tablet PC has prompted other operating system companies to introduce similar products. ModBook is a Macintosh version of the Tablet PC and is a redesigned Macintosh laptop by Axiotron [4]. The first Linux tablet was introduced in 2003, but it was costly and didn’t include the features of the Windows XP version [6]. In February of 2007, Nokia challenged organizations to develop applications for their Linux-based tablet which supports both handwriting recognition and includes a sketch pad [5]. Innovation aside, there are barriers to the growth of sales of the Tablet PC. Hamblen (2007) sites eight different disadvantages of the Tablet PC including cost and touch screen accuracy problems. Hamblen further explains that Tablet PC sales counted for only two percent of the current laptop market share. Such limitations have not stopped the development of new Tablet PCs nor the software for use on the Tablet PC. A strong area of Tablet PC development is in the field of Education. CLASSROOM IMPLEMENTATION The Tablet PC has found its way into the educational system as both a tool of convenience and collaboration. The Tablet PC has been documented as useful to the field of education both in and out of the classroom. The Tablet PC can be used solely by the instructor, solely by the student, or by both. Though different educational institutions might utilize the Tablet PC in different ways, there are some general usage areas available for implementation. Implementation experiences at Coastal Carolina University (CCU) are introduced to expand on the topic of the Tablet PC in education. As an instructor tool outside of the classroom, the Tablet PC can significantly assist in grading with the ability to mark documents. Documented student performance is one of the important features of accreditation at CCU and instructors are required to retain detailed assignment feedback for review. Traditional methods for meeting the accreditation criteria involved a number of steps – whether the assignments were submitted on paper or electronically. Once assignments were printed and marked, they would need to be recorded for future review. One way to do this is to scan all documents and electronically store them. Another was to make photo copies. For an instructor with a full course load, this can mean hundreds of individual assignments with any number of pages per assignment. The time and resources (paper and copy toner specifically) to meet this requirement can be exorbitant. An alternative is to use the Tablet PC to mark and save student feedback. Whether grading English papers or computer programs, the Tablet PC can be used for this purpose. Word documents can be inked and saved. The files can be archived for university purposes and electronically sent to the student. In many cases assignments and feedback are both made available to students using Blackboard/WebCT. The marked documents do not have to be viewed on another Tablet PC in this case. Any student with access to Microsoft Word can obtain their feedback. As an instructor tool inside the classroom, the Tablet PC can be projected on screen via wired or wireless transmission so that written or highlighted documents can be saved and provided to the students. With an available wireless connection, instructors can project their computer image on a screen via a projector and freely roam around the classroom. The instructor can mark documents based on classroom discussion, save the documents and make them available for student use. Without the wireless, the same end product can be created, however the professor’s ability to physically move around the room is obviously hindered. Student typing on a traditional keyboard during lecture can be a distraction. As a student tool, the tablet pc can be a non-intrusive way for students to quietly take electronic notes. Additionally, documents provided by the instructor can also be inked allowing students to add their own thoughts to the material provided by the instructor. Finally, the Tablet PC can be used as a collaboration tool with the assistance of open source software. UW Classroom Presenter, developed at the University of Washington [9] is one such tool which brings classroom presentations to a higher level with the addition of inking by both instructor and student, the ability to save and disseminate marked documents, and the introduction of instant feedback for classroom surveys. Classroom Presenter features include the inking of the slide deck during presentations, the ability to transmit the slides to the student computer, a quick poll for student feedback, and the ability for students to submit their own markings for review or sharing with the class. Though a Tablet PC is not required by both the instructor and the students to use Classroom Presenter features, this case would be the most beneficial. CCU does not currently have any Tablet PC teaching classrooms and does not require students to own a Tablet PC. Some features, however, can still be successfully implemented in the case where the instructor uses the Tablet PC and the students use traditional computer workstations or laptops. At this point CCU has successfully installed and implemented Classroom Presenter on small groups of computers with much success using combinations of Tablet, laptop and desktop PCs. Problems have occurred when attempting the software on laboratory computers that are ghosted each semester. The Classroom Presenter software requires the use of the .NET framework resulting in mandatory .NET installation before Classroom Presenter can be installed. In CCU’s first computer laboratory to implement Classroom Presenter, the .NET issues delayed the implementation until the next ghosting of computers. In order to utilize Classroom Presenter to its fullest potential, designing computer classrooms using Tablet PCs is most desired. As with many universities, CCU has not yet been able to obtain the required funding for classroom use. Transitions to Tablet PCs are not without effort and CCU has successfully implemented a new program for faculty Tablet PC purchases. Once the faculty become accustomed to the use of the Tablet PC and the functionalities available for collaboration and assisted instruction in the classroom, support will grow in the area of student computing requirements and support for Tablet PCs. Coastal Carolina University’s Center for Effective Teaching and Learning (CETL) was established, in part, to “foster and support the appropriate use of technology in the pedagogical process through the promotion of promising new technologies and the support and dissemination of proven ones [3].” One of the technologies being supported by CETL is the use of the Tablet PC. University professors are encouraged to apply for the Faculty Computer Initiative grant in order to receive a Tablet PC for use in the classroom. Grant applications must support the improvement of the teaching-learning process. The Initiative is growing in popularity which has fostered a competitive selection process for motivated instructors. Training sessions are now being developed to include the use of Classroom Presenter as an in-classroom collaboration tool. CONCLUSION Though the use of Tablet PCs at CCU is currently still in the stage of being an instructor tool, the success of Tablet PCs in educational environments is well documented. In a study by Wolf [11], Tablet PC implementation provided more interesting, timely lectures which resulted in increased student performance. Anderson,Anderson, Linnell, and Razmov [1] focused on the ability of the Tablet PC usingClassroom Presenter to provide increased student interaction, immediate feedback, andintegration of student materials into classroom lectures. Their study resulted in positivefeedback by the students and an enhanced atmosphere in the classroom [1]. Similarresults are hoped for the future implementation of Tablet PC technology at CoastalCarolina University. By first introducing faculty to the Tablet PC and providing themwith the tools to become proficient and successful in using the Tablet PC, their comfortand enthusiasm over the technology is expected to grow. With well-educated instructors,the classroom can be transformed into those experienced by instructors of otheruniversities who have also benefited from the implementation of Tablet PCs andsupported software. REFERENCES[1] Anderson, R., Anderson, R., Linnell, N., Razmov, V., Supporting structured activitiesand collaboration through the use of student devices in college classrooms, Manuscript,2006,http://www.cs.washington.edu/education/dl/presenter/papers/2006/AALR_2006.pdf,retrieved March 27, 2007. [2] Blickens, C., A Brief History of Tablet PCs, 2005,http://www.webpronews.com/expertarticles/2005/12/20/a-brief-history-of-tablet-pcs,retrieved March 22, 2007. [3] Coastal Carolina University Center for Effective Teaching and Learning, CETLMission Statement and Program Goals, http://www.coastal.edu/cetl/CETL%20Goals.pdf,March 20, 2007. [4] Cohen, P., OWC to introduce Tablet Mac at Expo, Press Release, 2007,http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/01/04/owc/index.php?lsrc=mwrss, retrievedMarch 27, 2007. [5] Emigh, J., Nokia seeks application ideas for Linux-based N800 Tablet, Linux Planet,2007, http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/newss/6360/1/, retrieved March 26, 2007. [6] Krasne, A., First Linux Tablet PC, PC World, 2003,http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,112743-page,1/article.html, retrieved March 27, 2007. [7] Microsoft Corporation, Tablet PC: The laptop evolves into a true mobile computer,Press Release, 2007, http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2001/nov01/11-11tabletpc.mspx, retrieved March 11, 2007. [8] Tablet PC Magazine, Tablet PC News, http://pencomputing.com/TabletPC/, retrievedMarch 21, 2007. [9] University of Washington Computer Science and Engineering, Classroom Presenter 3Beta, http://www.cs.washington.edu/education/dl/presenter/ retrieved March 11, 2007. [10] Walker, G., The Microsoft Tablet PC, Pen Computing Magazine, 2001,http://www.pencomputing.com/frames/tablet_pc.html, retrieved March 23, 2007. [11] Wolf, T., Assessing the impact of inking technology in a large digital design course.Proceedings of the 38th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education,39(1), 79-83, 2007.