Go light: Tablet PCs for undergrad instruction

Tired of hauling a laptop to the classroom? OID has an alternative for you this spring quarter – Compaq Tablet PCs, available for quarter loan to support undergraduate instruction. Originally, five were available but a donation has brought that number up to ten.

The tablet’s smaller footprint and flat surface makes it easy to use on a podium, with only one wire necessary to connect to classroom projection systems. These are lighter than notebooks and require only a stylus to activate Microsoft Office products such as PowerPoint. Also, according to History Professor Pat Geary, “The tablet configuration of the computer makes it possible for the screen to remain flat on a conference table, thus facilitating eye contact between the presenter and the audience.”

Text recognition software allows you to make notes, additions or changes in real-time in the classroom. Journal software takes cursive hand writing and converts it to digital text in Microsoft Word format. Battery life is sufficient for a 2+ hour class. A USB port is available to attach a jump drive or other USB-type device. The tablets also have Ethernet and phone ports. For working on the desktop, you can attach it to the base which offers a keyboard and mouse.

To give one a try, or for further information contact Chris Dutton at Office of Instructional Development or x66525.