Transcript Before Tablets…. - Seattle University

Creating Interactive Group
Learning with Tablet PCs
Ryan McLaughlin,Vicky Minderhout, and Jennifer Loertscher
Department of Chemistry, Seattle University
February 27th, 2009
Acknowledgments…

Hewlett-Packard Technology for Teaching
(TTL)and Program

Department of Mechanical Engineering
(Profs. Greg Mason and Jeff Dragovich)

SU Office of Instructional Technology
Engagement in the classroom…

A wide variety of techniques can be used
to promote student engagement in the
classroom – low or high tech
◦ Active lecture using clickers
◦ Lecture with breaks for pair-share or problem
solving on the board
◦ In-class group projects
◦ Guided inquiry using structured activities
Guided Inquiry in Chemistry…
Process oriented guided inquiry learning
(POGIL)
 Guided inquiry activities are used by
students in structured small groups

◦ Develop conceptual understanding of
chemistry
◦ Practice higher-order skills including problem
solving and integrating ideas
“I thought the group format and problem-based approach were extremely
helpful. This method encouraged me to think more independently.”
-Biochemistry student
Benefits of Group Learning…

“Group activities allowed us to express our ideas and
listen to others with each activity every class period.”

“As a whole the teaching style was very different, but in
some odd way I feel better prepared for an exam the
night before.”

“Very engaging classroom activities were new but
helpful. I felt responsible for my own learning.”

“This course allows the instructor to continually assess
course learning on a daily basis…,which is…more
accurate than solely an exam.”
Before Tablets…

Teams examine static models or data sets
Kinetic Molecular Theory
Model for Gas Behavior and Explanation of Pressure
After Tablets…

Animations illustrate experimental techniques
and chemical processes on a microscopic scale.

Interactive simulations enable students to
experiment with model systems by changing
system variables (temperature, pressure, mass,
etc).
http://www.chm.davidson.edu/chemistryapplets/kineticmoleculartheory/BasicConcepts.html
Before Tablets…

Teams record answers on paper record
sheets

Spokesperson for group reports out
results to class

Copies of graded record sheet supplied
to each team member.
After Tablets…
Digital Inking provides robust and flexible
format for group responses.
 NetSupport software allows paperless group
work.

Student Comments…
“These resources were extremely helpful.
The animation activity that was done
during fall quarter helped to give me a
clear idea about the techniques used.
Visually seeing what was going on was
great.”
– Biochemistry student
“Physical Chemistry is very
esoteric and often difficult to
conceptualize, the electronic
activities added a visual and
interactive element beyond
what can be offered by lecture
and text alone.”
– Physical Chemistry student
Example Activity…
•
Login to tablet using instructions
provided.

Wait for activity to be distributed
electronically.

Open activity, read instructions and begin
work.
Example Activity…
Hewlett-Packard Technology Grants
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/grants/us/programs/tech_teaching/higher_ed_main.html

HP Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative
(20 tablets, poster printer, camera, projector, etc)
 Mathematics
 Science (physical, environmental, computer)
 Engineering (electrical, computer, mechanical, environmental,
materials)
 Information Systems / Information Technology

HP Technology for Teaching Leadership Grant
(40 tablets, poster printer, camera, projector, etc)