Case study on the Perception of Learning when Tablet PCs are used as a Presentation Medium in Engineering Classrooms

New information technologies promise to enhance engineering instruction by facilitating the learning process. This study has been performed to examine the efficacy of using a tablet PC as a presentation platform for problem-solving methodologies in two different mechanical engineering courses of 40‐50 students each. Compared with existing technologies that are commonly used to present information, the tablet PC exhibits several inherent advantages that facilitate learning of complex engineering concepts. To test this hypothesis, survey and focus groups were used to determine students’ perspectives on how the tablet PC affected their comprehension and learning compared with other classroom experiences. Results of this study suggest that students are more likely to pay attention during the lecture and recognize the more salient points of the presentation when a tablet PC is used.

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