Title :
Work in progress - Tablet PCs as interactive web-based instruction tools in a first year engineering course
Author :
Benson, Lisa C. ; Pargas, Roy P.
Author_Institution :
Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC
Abstract :
This paper presents pedagogical experiments conducted using MessageGrid, a Web-based system that enables instructors to interact electronically with their students, and Tablet PCs. These combined technologies make active learning a reality in the classroom while maintaining the necessary pace of the course. All students, including those who are reluctant to participate in class, are able to share their work and receive feedback from the instructor. The goal of this research is to measurably improve the success of at-risk students in a first-year engineering course, which can ultimately improve retention. We examine the outcomes of using MessageGrid to allow students to ldquogo publicrdquo with their work, demonstrating their mastery of course material. Because this is easily implemented using a Tablet PC, and can be done anonymously through the use of MessageGrid, students overcome their fears associated with making this ldquocommitment.rdquo Grades on assignments related to topics taught with and without Tablet PCs are compared, as well as student responses to questions related to how they understand course materials.
Keywords :
Internet; computer aided instruction; educational courses; engineering education; grid computing; interactive systems; notebook computers; software tools; student experiments; MessageGrid Web-based system; Web-based software tool; active classroom learning; first year engineering course; interactive Web-based instruction tool; pedagogical experiment; tablet PC; Displays; Educational technology; Engineering students; Equations; Feedback; Maintenance engineering; Personal communication networks; Personal digital assistants; Portable computers; Testing; Pen-based technology; web-based instruction;
Conference_Titel :
Frontiers in Education Conference, 2008. FIE 2008. 38th Annual
Conference_Location :
Saratoga Springs, NY
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-1969-2
Electronic_ISBN :
0190-5848
DOI :
10.1109/FIE.2008.4720546