Long a leader in the implementation of technology in education, the College of Engineering updated our computer requirement to a Tablet PC in the Fall of 2006. All undergraduate Engineering students now have tablets and faculty can freely use them in the classroom. In addition to the mobility of a notebook computer, the Tablet PC also offers the following benefits:
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Benefits based on Research at Virginia Tech
"Tablet PC can be beneficial to all learning styles.....The main benefit of using a tablet PC in class is to supplement the lectures with visual and reading/writing artifacts. " (Kothaneth, Robinson, & Amelink, 2011)
"We found that when used concurrently Tablets and DyKnow supported representational practice facilitating student expression and increasing engagement in lectures." (Johri & Lohani, 2008)
- "For instructors, electronic homework submissions generally are easier to handle and grade. For example, upon receiving a submission either through e-mail or a classroom management system, the instructor can mark it up and return it to the student without having to use class time for paper collection or distribution." (Tront, 2007)
Benefits based on Outside Research
- "There seem to be advantages using the new media, such as, easily shared student work, electronically storable notes for easy access, and the ability to record all the course content using screen capture recordings." (Fisher, Cornwell, & Williams, 2007-Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology)
- Tablet PCs offer all the features of a laptop plus the choice of pen technology when desired. While DyKnow offers session notebooks, and polling, panel submission, and participant status tools, WebCT [course management website] contributes a discussion board, e-mail, quizzing, and surveying. Together this technology trio helped me meet my pedagogical goals of improving communication and facilitating active learning without giving up the classic principles." (Sneller, 2007-South Dakota School of Mines and Technology)
Read about and see the Tablet PC in action:
- Virginia Tech - Intel Success Story (pdf)
- Winona University Case Study (doc)
- University of Vermont School of Business Administration (doc)
- Virginia Tech College of Engineering Tablet Initiative (.wmv) (.mov)
- Virginia Tech and DyKnow (.wmv) (.mov)
- Cincinnati Country Day School (video)
- Sharon Academy (video)
If you have any further questions or concerns please email the Director of Information Technology.
