{Marx}  Using Tablets (I pad):
This past year, I have basically placed my hybrid, and global studies class, under the realm of PAPERLESS. Everyday we use our own devices, or laptops, and I am anxious to see the benefit of tablet learning compared to laptops.  Mr Phillips, who on occasion does have a good idea, pointed out a very valid quote- "the key to successfully adopting tablet technology was to ensure that students remained academically engaged with the device on a regular basis so that they became accustomed to its use".  You have to be "all in"- if you believe in it, and use it in class, and embrace it, the students will too. So, we use our laptops every day, we take notes, maintain a file, perform bellringers, take tests etc-all on the computer- I am all in, so they are forced to be...

The research brought up many interesting points, one of which dealt with lecture notes. I forgot about all the app possibilities with tablets, especially the ability to handwrite notes, both as a student and as a teacher- essentially as a smartboard. Moreover, the research also provided me with a good tactic, or use for short articles in class. Although we know all students do their work ahead of time, some maybe sick, or simply forgot to read, so short reading prompts will bread better discussion.

Overall, the tablet technology- such as quiz taking, interacting with fellow students and being user friendly make a strong argument to support tablets in the classroom. I was surprised to see how many students liked to use the tablet better than the laptop (keyboard being one thing i was surprised about). However, the research indicates that as instructors, we need to be experts not only with the technology, but also the compatibility of technology.