Tablets
In addition to general convenience, tablets can allow greater flexibility in presenting course content, and more interaction with students. IDeS offers consulting on recommended scenarios for using iPads and Windows-based tablets as well as general best practices for teaching.
Getting Started
Recommended Uses for Tablets in Teaching
Instructors in many fields have found that tablets lend themselves particularly well to annotating content, making screen recordings, and working with PDFs. A few suggested apps for these uses follow below:
Annotation
Annotate an image or diagram in class, combining rich "static" content with the spontaneity of drawing on chalkboard.
iPad
- For annotating content, or writing on a pre-set template e.g. graph paper
- Doceri free
- For controlling a laptop through an iPad
- Doceri Desktop $29
- For use with a stylus for greater precision
Windows tablet
- For organizing and annotating documents
- OneNote included in MS Office Suite
Screen Recording
Take annotation or any other screen activity to another level by recording a session with voice narration for students to view later. These recordings might serve as content for a "flipped classroom," or tutorials for reviewing concepts where reinforcement is helpful.
iPad
- For "out-of-the-box" whiteboard recordings
- ShowMe free
- For recordings with content such as PowerPoint
- Explain Everything $2.99
Windows tablet
- For recording on Windows 7 to WMV format
- Ink2Go $19.99
- For recording Windows 8 to publish online 5 minute limitation
- Jing free
Working with PDF files
Enhance discussion of a test or use a document in demonstration by annotating it and saving a version with annotations for later reference. The same approach could also be used for grading student papers.
iPad
- For "out-of-the-box" viewing, annotation, and export
- PDF Expert $9.99
- For customizable annotation and other tools
- iAnnotate PDF $9.99
Windows tablet
Windows based tablets work with the same software as PC laptops and desktops.