Pen-based Computing in Distance Education - the Pharmaceutical Science Programme in Sweden

In a small-scale trial on the pharmaceutical science programme (Umea University, Sweden) we prepared three different lecture types, using streaming media enhanced with digital ink. The setup for the trials was a Tablet PC with Microsoft PowerPoint, Camtasia screen capture software, microphone, and, in one case, a video camera. The first lecture type was recorded live in front of a class using digital ink and PowerPoint slides and a video camera. The second lecture type used digital ink on blank PowerPoint's to teach calculus and the third used digital ink to highlight and emphasis how to interpret pre-scanned drug prescriptions. We concluded that: 1. Digital ink in combination with a screen-capturing program is very easy to use. 2. Teachers and students are positive towards streaming lectures enhanced with digital ink. 3. Digital ink facilitates a more flexible "learning style", which may attract lecturers in the field of distance education.