Instructional Technology
Conference 2005
Proposal #21
Title: Using Tablet PCs to Enhance Online Instruction
Name: Timothy N. Burcham, P.E., Ph.D.
Audience Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Audience: Faculty and IT specialists
Length: 3 Hours
Abstract:
Tablet personal computers (PCs) offer faculty new options for ìmarking upî electronic
submissions, as well as developing and presenting enhanced web-based teaching
materials. While first generation Tablet PCs were designed primarily for industrial uses,
the latest generation Tablet PCs provide maximum versatility and flexibility. The ability
to mimic "pen and paper" will have major implications on education, particularly higher
education. This workshop will allow participants to experience the Tablet PC in a
ìhands-onî learning session designed to increase the participantís capabilities for
developing enhanced web-based teaching materials.
Description:
Session Alpha (50 minutes)
Participants will learn how to use a Tablet PC. This session will include familiarization
with hardware and software unique to a Tablet PC. Tablet PCs use a special Tablet
version of the Windows XP operating system that allows pen input. In addition,
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) has ìpen-basedî features that further enhance the
capabilities of these packages. Participants will learn how to: 1) input handwritten text,
2) use the "character recognition" utility for converting handwriting to text, and 3) use
"digital ink" to "mark-up" electronic documents.
Break (15 minute)
Session Beta (50 minutes)
This portion of the workshop will teach participants how to use Tablet PCs in conjunction
with Camtasia Studio and Macromedia Breeze to develop enhanced audio/video
streaming media. Todayís computer hardware and software allow streaming audio/video
presentations to be developed readily using inexpensive components. The inclusion of
the instructorís voice to PowerPoint presentations provides ìwarmthî that is missing in a
standard ìstaticî PowerPoint presentation. This methodology captures the instructorís
emotion, tempo, and allows anecdotal information to be easily shared with students. The
Master of Science in Agricultural Operations Management (MSAOM) degree, offered by
the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is an online degree that utilizes
this technology (streaming audio/video) for all courses. Therefore, the presenters have
become adept at: 1) utilizing these tools for development of A/V lecture materials and
2) teaching others how to develop and implement these technologies in their respective
curriculums. Participants will develop an audio-enhanced PowerPoint presentation using
Camtasia Studio v 2.1 (TechSmith, Inc.) and their Tablet PCs during this portion of the
workshop.
Break (15 minutes)
Session Gamma (50 minutes)
In this hands-on session participants will be introduced to working with video in the
computer environment and the basics of video editing. There will be a demonstration of
videotaping, moving that video into the computer and editing it for presentation.
Throughout the session, opportunities for incorporating video into your lectures,
supplemental instruction materials, and student evaluation (quizzes) will be highlighted.
The presenters will address issues related to the delivery, e.g., bandwidth, streaming
servers, disk space, etc. The session will also include a discussion on different video
editing hardware and software options that vary from inexpensive to the state-of-the-art.
Session Type: Pre-Conference Workshop
Contact information/affiliation:
Timothy N. Burcham, P.E., Ph.D.
Professor and Parker Chair of Excellence
254 Brehm Hall
Martin, TN 38238
(731) 587-7211 Office
(731) 514-6366 Cell
(731) 587-7968 FAX
Email: tburcham@utm.edu
Equipment: The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources will provide 16 Gateway Model
277 Tablet PCs for workshop participants.) Wireless capability in the workshop presentation room; 2) Computer projector (1024 x 768 hardware resolution); 3) a set computer speakers capable of projecting sound throughout the room.