Tablet Software

Below is a partial list of software that takes specific advantage of the pen functionality offered by Tablet PCs. This is meant to give you an idea of the capabilities of a Tablet PC, and you might not end up using all of the software below in your fall classes. Note that most of the below software is free (or at least has a free demo).

Quick Comparison Between Interactive Software
Feature DyKnow Classroom Presenter Microsoft Interactive Classroom Centra
Description 

Interactive Learning Software

•  Present and Share

•  Collaborate and Interact

•  Assess and Save

•  Record and Replay

Tablet PC-based interaction system that supports the sharing of digital ink on slides between instructors and students. 

 Used in conjunction with OneNote to enhance classroom presentations by increasing student participation, helping teachers assess student comprehension, and enabling students to personalize the information presented Real-time interactive webinar tool that allows two-way verbal, text and video communication between presenters and students
Availability/cost

Free download available/ Free to use by VT faculty

 Free download/can be used by anyone Free add-in for powerpoint Free for any VT faculty when used in conjunction with any online class.  If professor wishes, students can also set up student groups as well
Distributing notes Ppt can be uploaded but any file (.doc, pdf, etc) can be converted using the dyknow notebook writer Only powerpoint file can be uploaded Only powerpoint file can be uploaded Powerpoint and image files (GIF, JPG, etc.) can be uploaded into the Agenda complete with markup capability.  Other file types can be shared through AppShare feature without markup
Getting slides from students Students can submit slides Students can submit slides Students can only receive slides Students can submit slides only when given proper access by presenter. 
Sharing control Individual students  can be given control Only the instructor has control Only the instructor has control Students can be granted control at presenter’s discretion
Polling Instructor can include poll that can be automatically graded Instructor can include poll Instructor can include poll Survey tool allows students to provide answers to specific questions. 
Dependability Has been used by over 250 large classes at Virginia Tech Has been found to be efficient for a class size of around 50 people Has not been tested for a large class so far Best used for classes no larger than 50, but has capability to accommodate up to 250 users