Work in progress - Tablet PCs as interactive web-based instruction tools in a first year engineering course

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.