A partnership approach to developing the use of Tablet PCs: Phase 2

 

This project is phase 2 of ongoing work exploring Tablet PCs as a tool for use by students and staff within the Institute of Education. The project will explore the impact of personal ownership of a portable computer on teaching within HEI, on using ICT in the school placement and in particular as a mechanism for bridging the discontinuity in teacher training when students move from the university to the school setting and vice versa. Our intention is that, through the provision of wireless capable portable computers, we shall:

• model their use for teaching and learning in HEI,

• model use with mentors,

• provide opportunities for anytime access to software in HEI

• provide opportunities in the school setting for demonstration by the trainee, sharing of work by children, small group access and administrative purposes.

 

Lessons and resources that have been developed at the university will be immediately accessible in the school setting. Inevitably, other obstacles will remain and the project will wish to identify and understand not only the ways in which the use of tablet PCs enhanced understanding of e-learning pedagogy but also what other obstacles remain to be resolved in the future.