Tablets in CH115/CH222
Introduction
In our chemistry courses, a right combination of POGIL (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) exercises, lecture/discussion sessions , and computer-based as well as classical laboratory activities create a challenging, and yet supportive, learning environment for students.
We strongly believe that a tactical redesign of our courses to incorporate tablet PC and digital-pen technologies along with an appropriate Classroom Management System will enhance the teaching/learning effectiveness to still higher levels.
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Implementation & Future Plans
At present, our tablet-PC project is still in its very initial stage. We are currently using the tablet PCs in our chemistry courses only to a modest extent . Students of organic chemistry use ChemPad and Chemsketch (tablet-PC-compatible structure drawing software applications) to draw chemical structures for building molecules and studying their three-dimensional geometries. General chemistry students use the tablet PCs to perform virtual experiments (developed by the Principal Investigator using LabVIEW, a graphical programming language ), to view and explore animations (developed by the PI or accessed from the Internet), and to perform calculations using Microsoft Excel.
We are currently evaluating various Classroom Management Systems (e.g., Net Support School, Classroom Presenter, DyKnow, and Synchroneyes) to select a suitable CMS for the tablet PCs. The CMS will facilitate student-student and instructor-student interaction in the classroom and thus create a highly collaborative learning atmosphere for students. Also, the monitoring and instant polling capabilities of the CMS will enable the instructors to keep track of student learning progress in real-time.
Challenges
- Resolving hardware and software problems and logistic hurdles, especially during the initial stages of the project.
- Training students in the tablet PC technology and related software applications takes time, and achieving this without compromising on the content and rigor of the course .
The Enhanced Learning Experience via Advanced Tablet-PC Environment (ELEVATE) program was made possible by a generous award by HP. Thank you HP!
Tablet Home
Intro Computer Software
Business Finance
Chemistry
OPEN-HOUSE CELEBRATION
Photos of Open-house
MORE INFORMATION
The Woods Newspaper Article on the Tablet PCs
Tablet Video
Photos of Tablet Delivery
Our Grant Proposal (PDF)
