What type of PC did you use in 1987? Probably an IBM PS/2 compatible PC, which you used at work.
Many of this year’s graduating student teachers were born in 1987. These future teachers grew up surrounded by computers. How do you think their experiences will change next year’s classrooms?
A simple way may be the acceptance of technology in daily life, versus special training on how to integrate it into their workflow. Another way may be that they’ll expect a PC to be used as their main classroom organization tool as well as for rich interaction.
Because Tablet PCs are lightweight mobile PCs (typically 4lbs or less), teachers can easily carry one while lecturing. For example, here’s an older photo of Richard Anderson, University of Washington, holding his Tablet PC while he’s presenting to his class. He underlines, highlights, adds notes on the fly to emphasize a point, delivering a level of reinforcement that you get when a PC uses Tablet technology.
Now, take this example one step further and add freedom to move away from a podium. Wireless projectors or routers help make this possible. So, if it is a 9th grade class and the teacher is the only one with a Tablet PC, it could at least be passed between teacher and students to solve problems and share with the class.
What is the impact on the teacher? More importantly, what is the impact on the students? Ricky Cox at Murray State look at one Tablet PC classroom models and shares results from early work. Now, that work continues with One-Tablet Instructional Models research.
(You’ll also enjoy Ricky’s Teaching Chemistry with a Tablet PC material.)