Using a Tablet PC to Enhance Instruction and Productivity

1 Abstract This paper discusses several ways in which the use of a Tablet PC by a professor can enhance instruction and productivity. A Tablet PC allows the user to enter information as they would with pen and paper, making it more intuitive than trying to express ideas involving text and graphics using a keyboard and mouse. Judicious use of the Tablet PC can enhance interaction and student engagement during class sessions, and allow professors to provide richer content to students on course web sites. The Tablet PC allows for the electronic storage of documents that include ink annotation, reducing the need for hard copies of many documents, including graded student assignments. The need to assess to what extent the use of Tablet PCs actually improves student interaction, engagement and achievement will be addressed as the University of Detroit Mercy embarks on a compulsory Tablet PC program for incoming students in September 2007.