Classroom Presentations Using Tablet PCs and WriteOn

Abstract

Tablet PCs combine a standard notebook computer with a digitizing screen and a pen-like stylus device to produce a computer that allows ease of input of natural writing and drawing. The tool WriteOn was developed to allow the user to effectively draw on top of any application shown on the tablet PC screen. Conceptually set up as a virtual transparency, WriteOn allows a presenter to annotate on an operational window as the target application dynamically runs in the visible background. Information from screen activity can be recorded and/or broadcast to the classroom participants in real-time. Students can store a local copy of the fully annotated presentation on their machine for later review. WriteOn has been shown to be a very useful tool for improving both the presentation of information as well as the interactivity in classroom instruction. Classroom testing of the tool and student assessment of its effectiveness are discussed