Our Tablet PC pilot keeps rolling along, and we’ve been collecting some regular reflections from our teachers that I thought might be interesting to share. Let me just say that personally, I think the tablet technology is potentially transformative for teachers, and as you’ll see if you read all the quotes, it’s been transformative for many here. Now I know that we are extremely fortunate to be able to test this model (Tablet PC, wireless Internet access, wireless ceiling mounted LCD projectors), and we’re hoping to expand it to most if not all faculty next year should things continue to go well. The creativity that inking allows, the “never have your back to the students” mobility that wireless connectivity allows, the abilty to save and share the work you do on the tablet, and the hand-off-ability of giving it to students to show their work renders a lot of other technologies (i.e Smart Boards) pretty irrelevant. It’s been a treat to watch.
So anyway, here are a few teacher comments, and you can read a bunch more excerpts if you like.
–To tell you the truth, I feel like I am a better teacher since I have acquired such wonderful technology.
–I love this model and can’t wait to get to class each day. It makes each lesson unique, even when I am just creating notes, or showing a PowerPoint.
–I’ve found that one of the best things about the tablet is the increase in student participation.
–I am finding that the tablet has become almost necessary in order for me to complete my lessons…Finally, I am relieved when I remember that if this model is not implemented next year, we all get to keep these awesome tools that I feel have enhanced my teaching, my organization, and most importantly, student learning in my classroom.
–Still, I am sometimes suspicious that my dear tablet is occasionally possessed by the devil (and I’m not referring to the Regan-like swiveling head)… Hall duty is paradise now instead of banishment; I must get 10x the work done. I grade and and enter into GradeQuick immediately, work on PowerPoints, research online, check my email, work with other teachers, etc. Additionally, I feel like a constant tablet commercial: everyone stops by to ask questions and ask where they can get one…Although the tablet occasionally creaks and moans and rattles, all in all it’s been a treat. I consistently feel empowered.
Hi Will,
I am an Integration Teacher at a high school in Bolton, MA. I am relatively new to using Educational Blogs and RSS Feeds. However, I stumbled upon your blog and your tablet relfection article and I am thrilled to have found it! I recently received a grant and will be deploying Tablets and Wireless projectors in my school over the next few months and would like to learn more about your implementation process.