I haven’t mentioned lately how much I love the Tablet PC, so let me just state for the record: I still really, really love my Tablet PC. And so do the teachers at my school who have been taking part in the tablet pilot this year. Love them. Really.
Today, I teamed up with my colleague Rob Mancabelli and his wife Gayle Allen and presented on our pilot to a rapt audience of about 30 tech types at NJ Techspo in the smokey, noisy Ballys casino in Atlantic City. Rob went over the project plan, Gayle, who is in the doctoral program at Columbia, presented some pretty persuasive research findings that she had put together after doing a number of observations, interviews and surveys, and I got to demo the technology. (I loved that part. Really. Loved it.)
The result? Well, um, let’s just say it’s too bad we weren’t getting a comission from the tablet makers ’cause there were quite a few converts, I think. And yes, we had the obligatory “so why do I need a smart board?” discussion.
But I have to say that while the tool is pretty amazing, I think our process has been even moreso. I got the sense that most people were more envious of the almost complete buy-in we’ve had on the part of over 200 teachers in our build out for next year, based as much on the way we made our decisions as the technology itself (if not more.) Teachers are invested in becoming better practitioners with Tablets, not just happy to be getting laptops. That is a significant difference.
One side note: I finally got to meet fellow Jersey blogger/podcaster Jeff Moore for a quick chat before the presentation. That’s always a treat when that happens. It’s almost like being a birder, crossing of bloggers on your life list. Well…almost…
Will,
I’m interested to hear more about your passion for your Tablet PC. How do you see it as better than a SmartBoard which has the built in software and the capabilities to record instruction for review later.
Love your blog!
Karen
Will, I agree with your posting on loving the tablet!
We have implemented a Tablet Pilot in my high school this past fall. I wrote an Intel Grant for Math teachers and received 20 Tablets and 6 wireless projectors. What a solution for teachers in the classroom! I have reached a group of teachers that were not particularly interested in technology as a component of their classes. Now with the tablet, wireless projector the teacher has the ability to move around the classroom. It is wonderful!
We also implemented teacher SharePoint sites which allow teachers to post announcements, documents, and notes from the tablet directly to their portal. Students can then access the data from home.
What a difference a few months with the right technology can make in a school!
Will, I understand you will be presenting at the MassCUE technology conference in Worcester, MA in March. I am looking forward to meeting you and attending your session!
– Regards, Mary Marotta
Will,
I will soon be giving a presentation on the Tablet to academics and VPs in Higher Education.
Now, I have no idea what kind of questions I might have (interested to hear about this smartboard argument). But I am looking for ideas for the demo I will give. If you are able to share any of your talking points, links and/or software picks, I’d sure appreciate it. Mary too, if you have any thoughts of what might be a good selling point, let me know.
(my post on this is here http://www.tabletminds.com/index.php/archives/academic-applications )
Any inspiration is appreciated.
Will and Mary,
First, I am a new elementary teacher, and was hoping two things. First, what kind of tablets seem to be best for a classroom, and second, where can I get information on grants.
Mary, or anyone else, not sure if you are willing or can do this, I would love to see your grant to see how to put one together and if anyone can recommend any internet sites of what grants are available for tablets for the classroom. I am trying desperately NOT to buy one myself, but rather to justify the expense to local businesses or companies like Intel.
Any help you could provide, I would certainly appreciate. My email is mikebalt@gmail.com
Mike