Tablet personal computers
December 2, 2010
On a recent Tuesday afternoon, Algebra 2 students from Mayfield High School walked into class, sat down, and began taking notes. Math teacher Jon Caraco wrote a few problems on his tablet PC—which connects to an LCD projector—and then asked who could solve them.
His PC, or personal computer, is about the size a book.
The
LCD projector is the modern version of an overhead projector and
displays video, images, or computer data on a screen or other flat
surface.
“Can you move back a page?” one student asked.
Mr. Caraco seamlessly obliged.
The LCD projector displayed the entire contents of the screen on the wall, so no matter where students sat, they could see it. And when they needed to see something he wrote at the beginning of class, he just scrolled up with one stroke of the touch screen.
In the past, when a teacher erased what was on the blackboard, it was gone forever. Today, teachers like Mr. Caraco not only use technology to store everything they write, but to enhance learning and keep lessons flowing.
The district purchased Mr. Caraco’s PC on sale for about $1,400. Projectors go for about $800.
“With a chalkboard, you’re limited, but with this. I can put up lessons and even import pictures. It keeps me a lot more organized,” Mr. Caraco said.
“I can even make a lesson into a PDF (a format that prints the page
identical to what is on the computer screen) and present it to a student
the next day if they were absent. And everything I’v
e
written for the past three years is on here.”
Mr. Caraco started using his tablet PC about three years ago and some teachers have followed suit.
Mayfield Superintendent Paul G. Williamsen said Mr. Caraco’s use of computer technology in his classroom demonstrates his ability to motivate his students while helping them utilize useful tools.
“We want students to have access to the technological tools which help them learn,” Williamsen said. “Now, if they missed something, they can have it front of them the same day.”
Senior Suen Selvyn said the technology helps her learn more efficiently. She also said students feel it’s easier to read what’s on the computer opposed to the chalkboard.
“It’s better and faster,” she said. “It’s also more efficient and we can see work from previous days.”