Tablet PC-Enabled Active Learning in Mathematics: A First Study

Abstract

Too often freshmen fail and fall behind early in our large-enrollment math courses, Calculus for Engineers or Liberal Arts Math, because they do not engage in the classroom and their questions remain unanswered. Bringing Tablet PCs and a projector, obtained through a 2006 Hewlett-Packard Teaching-for-Technology Grant, into multiple sections of these courses, allows each student or small group of students to use the pen/digital-ink feature to submit problem solutions anonymously to the instructor via web-based classroom-interaction software, such as MessageGrid or Ubiquitous Presenter. The instructor projects, discusses, annotates, and saves individual submissions.Communication now occurs with a subset of students who would rarely participate in class, and active learning is achieved across the classroom because all students are primed for instructor feedback. We compare performance on common exams in the sections using Tablet PCs, web-based software, and projectors with our traditional sections. We query students (and instructors) on their impressions of this technology.

Increasing Interactivity and Authenticity of Chemistry Instruction through Data Acquisition Systems and Other Technologies

“…Although institutions have varied strategies for addressing these challenges, many schools are utilizing technology to help students take part in scientific thinking processes and gradually build an understanding of abstract science concepts. − One method is to help students develop science problem-solving skills through immersing them in an active learning environment rather than having them passively memorize rules and principles. ,− Although the emphasis on active learning in the sciences began more than 40 years ago in the physical sciences, it gradually spread to the other disciplines, including chemistry education. ,,− Data acquisition systems are an educational technology that can be used alone or in conjunction with other technologies to bring about active learning and enable students to move beyond rote memorization.…”

Interactive Instruction, Remediation, And Research In

“…With a 2006 Hewlett-Packard Technology for Teaching grant, we placed Tablet PCs into several sections of a Freshman Liberal-arts Math course and found that student perceptions, behavior and performance (especially of weaker students) improved. 2 By placing these Tablet PCs and others, obtained through a 2007 Hewlett Packard Leadership Grant, into the first semester of Freshman Calculus, we can reach a significant portion of that intractable group of students who fall behind early and fail to earn the C or better needed to move into Calculus II second semester.…”