November 2003 — Features
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Catalyst for Change
A Study Partner
Last year, senior government teacher Curt Hansen led students in a simulated government program based out of the University of Michigan, which provided them with an opportunity to politically interact with students worldwide via their tablet PCs. "The tablet PCs were absolutely vital to the project's success," says Hansen. "We really needed computers with good mobility and Internet access; the tablets provided both."
However, government is not the only academic department to benefit from the tablet's innovative characteristics. In past years, computers have been inadequate as note-taking assistants in math and science because of their inability to recognize functions and equations. In a class where formulas are the basis of finding answers to all problems, what is the advantage of using a computer that lacks the keys to express them? While it could be argued that most computers possess a sufficient list of symbols to accommodate math and science classes, one crucial flaw remains: these symbols can only be expressed through a time-consuming, multikey sequence. The idea behind the tablet is that it allows students to learn more easily and more equally.
But, the idea of constantly using multikey sequences is frustrating for many students, and if the necessary symbol d'esn't exist on their computer, it is altogether impossible. The tablet PC eliminates both of these problems through its ability to record digitally handwritten notes. By using the Windows Journal, students can now handwrite any formula quickly and easily; no longer having to rely on a limited selection of symbols. Aside from this option, many tablets also contain virtual Texas Instruments' TI-89 calculators for added assistance.
In addition, the tablet has proved its originality and effectiveness within the language department - this time as a computerized study assistant. While many of its applications are recognized for their assistance within the classroom, those programs used outside of the classroom are no less impressive. The tablet PC makes it possible for students to assess themselves in the event that there is no one else who can do it for them. For a student without a study partner, preparing for tests can be extremely difficult.
If, for example, students need to practice for a spelling bee, they must first hear the word dictated. If students need to practice pronunciation of certain foreign-language terms, they first need to hear them correctly pronounced. With the tablet PC, this concern no longer persists, because now students can select a link that will play their teacher's recorded voice speaking the words. And for students practicing for a spelling bee, the tablet has the ability to tell them when they're wrong. For vocabulary practice, a teacher can even type words with specific definitions and record them online. The students can then use the same type of self-assessing program to answer a series of vocabulary questions, which will have the definitions cross-referenced with those of the teacher. Again, the tablet will grade the students' answers, fulfilling its role as a study partner.
Endless Possibilities
With these types of advantages, it is important that usage of the tablet PC is not only restricted to school hours.
