Training Educators to Integrate Tablet PCs into their Classrooms

Tablet PCs are an exciting and innovative technology that, when used to their full capability, can potentially have a positive impact on classroom pedagogy and learning outcomes. Tablet PCs have all the functionality and robustness of a laptop computer, with the added benefit of using a stylus to write directly on the screen. The tablet PC can be integrated into the classroom setting in a number of key ways, including: 1) Allowing teachers and students to write directly on the screen with the stylus, 2) Using Microsoft OneNote as an electronic whiteboard, 3) Annotating and saving existing files such as PowerPoints and pdfs, and 4) Recording real-time lectures for later viewing.

However, research indicates that barriers, including knowledge gaps, technology fears, and time constraints, exist that prevent educators from adopting this technology. This research project focuses on creating an instructional design website that educates secondary teachers on how to use the innovative features of the tablet PCs to enhance their pedagogy. The instructional website includes tutorials that demonstrate how the features of the tablet PC can be integrated into the classroom setting.

This presentation will examine the design changes implemented, comparing the resource before and after modification, and discuss the theoretical frameworks and instructional design models that informed design choices. The instructional design website can be viewed at http://etec687tabletpc.weebly.com.