OVERVIEW:
Typing notes on a shared whiteboard or in a wordprocessor are important methods of taking notes for a student equipped with a laptop. However neither of these provide the student with a quick method for sketching diagrams or emphasizing parts of the notes. The students need a "pencil and paper" device that allows them to draw or type on the shared whiteboard. The electronic artpad is such a device that gives the student the ability to perform free-hand sketching..
CONSIDERATIONS:
Since students are accustomed to handwriting and hand drawing figures when taking notes a good drawing device is important. Pen-based artpads are by far the best but typically require power from an electrical outlet. However, pen-based scratchpads can be used. Ones that support absolute mode are the best (where there is a one-to-one mapping between the screen and the pad area), but those that use relative mode are usable. Built-in pen-based scratchpads are easier to deal with than serial line or other external scratchpads.
OUR CHOICE:
The instructors used
Wacom artpads during the class to write notes on a shared whiteboard
that where mcast to the student machines. Unfortunately the Wacom
artpads require AC power, so they were unacceptable for student use.
The Artpad runs in both absolute and relative modes. It is very responsive
and is pressure sensative. After a little bit of practice we were
able to write on the artpads almost like they were a piece of paper.
It is a very effective way to lecture. Recently Wacom came out with the
Wacom Penpartner that
is powered off the PS/2 Serial port. Although the Penpartner is a
scaled down version, only 4 inches by 5 inches, ArtPad, it is ideal for
students to use in a wireless classroom.