Using Tablet PCs in Using Tablet PCs in Higher EducationHigher Education

Meg Stewart, Visiting Fulbright Scholar 2009-10

18 June, 2010 – EMS-UWI, Summer Technology Institute

Overview of DiscussionOverview of Discussion

• A tablet PC is a laptop that you can write on

• Powerful, portable, flexible• Any software can be loaded onto a

tablet PC

Possible DisadvantagesPossible Disadvantages

• Cost• No CD/DVD drive built• Extra IT support• Broken pens

Microsoft OfficeMicrosoft Office

PowerPoint

Word

(but Excel and OneNote are

also pen-enabled)

Tablets in ArchaeologyTablets in Archaeology

ObjectivesObjectives

• To accurately document an excavation

• To take field notes and map grid squares of site locations directly into a tablet computer

Field Archaeology videoField Archaeology video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tI10lsa2yY

Tablets in GeoscienceTablets in Geoscience

ObjectivesObjectivesTeaching: 1) To grasp an understanding of a geomorphologic concept

2) To have students use an emerging technology in a field exercise

Research: To measure stream meander migration

Stream-mapping videoStream-mapping video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6hSjQm-xc8

Tablets in EcologyTablets in Ecology

ObjectivesObjectives

Teaching: To have students participate in long-term ecological research during a series of lab exercisesResearch: To study the effect of Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) on herbaceous plants and tree seedlings

Use of Photogrid softwareUse of Photogrid software

25%

5%

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgtUE7dSh6g

DigitizingDigitizing

Other “Inking” SoftwareOther “Inking” Software

Windows Journal

InkSeine

Marking on PapersMarking on Papers

PDF Annotator

Digitizing videoDigitizing video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnET8us4Bk4

ResearchResearch

Considerations When Using Considerations When Using Tablets for Field WorkTablets for Field Work

• Inclement weather – Rugged case or zip lock bag

• Extra batteries• Car adaptor to recharge battery