It seemed like a good idea … A Tablet PC-based Next-generation Laboratory Classroom Stephen H. Edwards Virginia Tech, Dept. of Computer Science Supported by hardware donation from Company X

A Tablet PC-based Next-generation Laboratory Classroom Stephen H. Edwards Virginia Tech, Dept. of Computer Science What motivated us? We were adding a laboratory component to our CS1 and CS2 courses We wanted … To use closed labs To use more engaging teaching techniques To use pair programming To increase student socialization To work on community building We wanted to design a “next generation” lab classroom that would work for our future needs

A Tablet PC-based Next-generation Laboratory Classroom Stephen H. Edwards Virginia Tech, Dept. of Computer Science Before, we had this … Traditional computer lab classrooms with lots of machines for students working individually

A Tablet PC-based Next-generation Laboratory Classroom Stephen H. Edwards Virginia Tech, Dept. of Computer Science The vision for a new lab Fully wireless and cordless Stocked with Tablet PCs for student checkout Lightweight, reconfigurable, movable furniture Lots of live programming examples in lecture

A Tablet PC-based Next-generation Laboratory Classroom Stephen H. Edwards Virginia Tech, Dept. of Computer Science Comparing performance We compared students in the new labs vs. the old labs No significant difference between lab groups No significant difference between instructor sections

A Tablet PC-based Next-generation Laboratory Classroom Stephen H. Edwards Virginia Tech, Dept. of Computer Science What worked Students liked wireless nature of the new labs Students liked the reconfigurable furniture Closed labs worked well as a teaching technique Pair programming did help Live programming examples rather than traditional lectures worked well

A Tablet PC-based Next-generation Laboratory Classroom Stephen H. Edwards Virginia Tech, Dept. of Computer Science What didn’t work Poor match for tasks that involve a lot of programming Tablets in the lab Screen size too small for working in pairs Pen as a pointer is less effective Some students began bringing in their own external mice (and even full-size keyboards!) Tablets in lecture Pen-based markup is more cumbersome when you’re not presenting traditional lecture-style materials Extra mobility is not always a benefit when you’re doing live programming examples

A Tablet PC-based Next-generation Laboratory Classroom Stephen H. Edwards Virginia Tech, Dept. of Computer Science What did students think? Our survey at the end of the semester produced our results on what worked/didn’t work Students who used tablets indicated they were less likely to consider buying a tablet for their next PC Tablet PCs are poorly suited to student software development tasks