Convertible Tablet PC Offers Faculty Exciting New Functionality for Teaching, Learning, and Making Presentations

Acquiring a Convertible Tablet PC, which converts to either a laptop or a tablet PC, opens many new technology opportunities for its user, such as a digital pen, audio and video recording ability, multi-tasking, and the power of having everything that you need at your fingertips.

The Tablet PC is definitely an engaging tool for creativity, communication, and interactivity both as a learning tool and as a presentation tool.

I have been using the Gateway M285 Convertible Tablet PC since December 2006. I use the digital pen exclusively. The convertible tablet’s monitor makes it extremely effective to use in a small group or committee setting. It has the functionality to swivel around and share digital notes on Microsoft OneNote pages or a Microsoft PowerPoint slide show. Presenting is effective since you can make comments at any place with a digital pin.

An idea for faculty to try with a tablet PC is to develop a “mixed media” handout that includes audio or video and written notes, which can then be emailed directly from Microsoft One Note to the class as a whole.

Other ideas include:
· Using Microsoft Windows Journal for simple notes and to convert handwriting to text
· Using Microsoft One Note to compose a report, move text, add drawings, insert a Word document, Web pictures, and then convert it to Microsoft Word
· Using the built-in Tablet PC Education and Experience Packs
· Grading homework assignments with digital ink and e-mailing them to students
· Giving a dynamic presentation
· Using the computer as a white or black board for a brainstorming session

Faculty who use a tablet PC with their students are invited to share their ideas, tips and tricks with your colleagues via the techtrain blog at http://techtrain.iweb.bsu.edu/blog.html.

To sign up for a Tablet PC training or consultation, visit www.bsu.edu/techtrain. For more information, contact Linda M. Putman, Technology Training Specialist in the University Libraries’ Technology Training Support Services, LPutman@bsu.edu, (765) 285-1321.

This newsletter article first appeared in The Library Insider 5(5): 12; May 2007.