Integrating Tablet PCs

Blog #2 Tablet PCs

Tablet PCs offer users the best of a laptop and a PDA with its touch screen.  Tablet PCs are normally categorized as one of three types:  slate, convertible or hybrid.  All of the three require an operating system written specifically for the tablet pc.  The slate does not have a keyboard connected to the screen but one can be attached as a peripheral device.  Due to the advantage of weighing less, the slate is more mobile than the other two versions.  The convertible tablet pc looks like a normal notebook computer with the exception that the screen can pivot 180° and rest on the keyboard.  Because the convertible has the keyboard permanently attached, it weighs more than the slate.  The hybrid version has a normal size keyboard that the user can totally detach to reduce the weight and make the tablet more mobile as needed. 

Additional software, other than the operating system, has been created to allow full utilization of the tablet pc.  These applications are called ink-enabled applications.  Ink-enabled Applications accommodate the use of the stylus as an input device.  According to Wikipedia.org, several sites offer information on software for the tablet pc.  Sites listed include: Tablet PC Post ,GottaBeMobile.com TabletPC2.com, Experience Pack for Tablet PC and the Education Pack for Tablet PC.  The last two are Microsoft releases and more specifically offer users the ability to use the stylus in various ways, create educational tools such as flash cards, assist in note-taking and tools to create equations for math class.  The links listed above offer additional information regarding the applications available.  ?Exploring Tablet PCs? by Godsall et.al notes that Microsoft?s One Note application is available as well as software written specifically for Physics and for Journaling.

According to the Godsall article, ?Exploring Tablet PCs? cost of a tablet can range from $1000.00 to upwards of Tablet PCs are more expensive than a ?normal? laptop which creates a disadvantage for integration of this technology.  As with all technology, it is important to compare ?apples to apples?, before declaring one tablet king.  When determining which tablet PC to purchases it becomes apparent that fewer manufacturers offer this type of PC which could be the primary reason for the extra cost.

Tablet PCs can be integrated into many curriculums.  Exceptional Children?s programs could utilize the ink-enabled applications and touch screen/stylus input to aid in teaching basic skills for low-performing students.  Skills such as writing legibly or note-taking could be aided with a Tablet PC.

Personally, I would like to integrate tablet pcs into my Home Technology Integration class.  In this class, kids have to go to our house project construction site and look at the current house plans and visualize their part of the wiring process.  Currently, we require the kids to hand sketch a diagram of their recommendations for what the house will need, where it should be etc.  I would like to see the kids use tablet PCs and ink-enabled applications to create an electronic file that could be printed, given to other contractors as necessary and then modified as necessary using the file and the tablet pc.  Real time changes without going back and redrawing the whole wiring scheme would be a great addition to our abilities in HTI.     

Posted at 06:35PM Sep 24, 2006 by BISHOP, KIMBERLY in General  |  Comments[3]