Tablet PCs Offer Significant Advantages
Faculty Directions, Fall 2005
by Barbara WeaverCCIT Educational Technology Services
Tablet PCs are now the obvious choice for many Clemson faculty who are in a position to purchase a new computer. The flexibility of having a traditional laptop that converts into a tablet is making teaching, grading and advising more effective and efficient.
Several computer manufacturers now have tablet PCs: Toshiba, Gateway, Acer, Hewlett Packard and most recently IBM. Most faculty have selected one of the several Toshiba models. A faculty member's choice of manufacturer and model depends on the specific needs of the faculty member. For example, some prefer models that have an integrated CD/DVD, while others would rather have a lighter computer and an external CD/DVD for their occasional use. Some want a 14-inch screen, while others are satisfied with a smaller (12 inch) screen for mobile work and a connection to a large monitor in the office. One item that is particularly helpful, regardless of the manufacturer or model, is a docking station or port replicator, which makes office connections to Ethernet, printer, external CD/DVD, large screen monitor and other periferals a snap.
An interdisciplinary group of faculty with tablet PCs meets once a week for an hour to explore pedagogically-sound ways to use pen technology. If you are interested in joining this community of faculty, please contact Barbara Weaver. These faculty involved in the early adoption of teaching with tablet PCs are hoping students will elect to purchase a tablet PC fall 2006 when Clemson may recommend a tablet, among other laptop models, for students. The pricing of tablets is now comparable to traditional laptops, making them a viable option for anyone purchasing a laptop.
In this issue of Faculty Directions are two articles regarding tablet PCs: Prof. Jeff Appling explains his delight in using a tablet for teaching chemistry, and Prof. Ken Weaver explains how he uses pen technology to facilitate student advising in Computer Science. As we progress through the coming year, we will add more faculty articles about their experiences with tablet PCs.
If you would like to visit a class where the instructor is using a tablet PC, please go to the Laptop Faculty Development Program Web site to register.