Use Of Tablet Computers Research Articles

Impatient opportunists: a study of technology use in a higher education classroom

PurposeThis study seeks to explore technology use in a higher education classroom with the focus on tablet computers.Design/methodology/approachStudy participants consisted of 36 undergraduate students from Rutgers University's Information Technology and Informatics major. Data were collected using an online survey, a classroom observation, and a group interview.FindingsThe study findings demonstrate unexpected technology uses that can be explained by the characteristics of the student group, the Net generation, namely, their impatient multi‐tasking and opportunistic behaviour. Students used tablet computers to take notes, conduct group activities and interact with the instructor. Students’ preference for typing was found to be a barrier in their adoption of tablet computers.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings can help technology developers and educators better understand and optimize their use of computing technology in higher education. Limitations of this study include only one class was studied, and classroom observation probed student behaviors only at selected points in time.Originality/valueThe unique value of the study included: the study was not limited to tablet technology and investigated students’ use of multiple technologies; the study captured student behaviors in an actual learning environment, and the study provides empirical evidence for students’ multi‐tasking in a classroom and for their use of tablet computers for hand writing.

Simplifying the technological enhancement of language learning

From books, boards and pens to video cameras, smart-phones and tablet computers, technology has always had an important role to play in any language learning environment. The integration of such technology into the language classroom is an issue faced on a daily basis by educators and learners and is an issue fraught with complexities. There is technological complexity involved with the selection and use of the best tool for the language curriculum and organisational complexity involved with how the tool is funded and supported in the wider context of the educational institution. This article outlines a way of trying to simplify the complexity by explaining how teachers can immediately start to technologically enhance their language classes, simply and effectively, with a “teaching techbox.” A “teaching techbox” is the name I give to my box of technological tools, including a mobile phone with camera, video camera, timer, bell, dice, and paper scraps, which I take to each class and use to enhance the language activities. As language education moves evermore into Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL), with the increased use of standard mobile phones, smart-phones and tablet computers both inside and outside of the classroom, the “teaching techbox” allows teachers to embrace the opportunities afforded by MALL while at the same time simplifying how technology is used in the class.

The Use of Tablet Computers in an Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinic to Obtain Patient Reported Outcomes: A Feasibility Study

The Use of Tablet Computers in an Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinic to Obtain Patient Reported Outcomes: A Feasibility Study

A comparison of posture and muscle activity during tablet computer, desktop computer and paper use by young children

Computers are now widely used by children. Tablet computers are becoming widely available and promoted for use by school children. The primary objective of this study was to compare the posture and muscle activity of children using a tablet computer to the posture and muscle activity of children using a desktop computer and paper technology. Eighteen children (mean age 5.6 years) performed a colouring-in task in tablet, desktop and paper conditions. 3-D posture and muscle activity around the neck and shoulder was assessed. Tablet computer use was similar to paper use, with less neutral spinal posture, more elevated scapular posture and greater upper trapezius and cervical erector spinae activity. This was offset by greater variability of posture and muscle activity. Tablet computer use clearly results in different musculoskeletal stresses than desktop computer use. Computer use guidelines need to be appropriate to traditional and emerging technologies. Tablet computers are being promoted for use by adults and children. However, the physical impact of using this type of technology is not known. The findings of this study provide the first tablet-specific evidence to inform guidelines on wise use of tablet computers by children.

211 An Evaluation of the ease of use and usefulness of wireless tablet computers within a cancer centre's ambulatory care unit

211 An Evaluation of the ease of use and usefulness of wireless tablet computers within a cancer centre's ambulatory care unit

Replacing lectures in gross anatomy with interactive study guides and tablet computers

At the Morehouse School of Medicine, human gross anatomy, embryology, and histology are integrated in a single course (“Human Morphology”). In this, we aim to reduce the time spent in classroom lectures, provide anytime/anyplace learning flexibility, and emphasize active learning exercises. We have pursued two main avenues to achieve our aims: 1) Implement a student laptop computer program; 2) Produce interactive CD-ROM study guides to replace traditional lectures. Computer access for students has evolved from shared use of desktop PCs to individual use of convertible tablet computers in a wireless environment. The study guides have evolved in parallel to take advantage of the tools that tablets offer, including enhanced mobile computing and facilitated note taking. Five years experience shows positive changes in student attitudes and performance. They particularly like the independence this format provides, and feel it allows more effective use of their time and enhances their learning. Exam performance has improved. E.g., pre-CD study guide, students performed weakly in the temporal/infratemporal/ pterygopalatine regions compared with overall head and neck material. Post-CD, scores have improved steadily, now surpassing other topics. Selective use of carefully focused computer-based programs in concert with individual tablet computer usage can foster a more active, independent learning process, with improved educational outcomes. Supported in part by NIH P03 1B040107-05.