Tablet PCs
Current Status: We have distributed all of the available tablet PCs for Spring 2008. Thank you for your interest in this program. If you'd like to be on a waiting list, and be notified about events and information about tablet PCs, then fill out an application.
Tablet PC Exploratory Program
The Center for Instructional Technology and the Office of Information Technology are continuing a DDI pilot program for the Spring 2008 term to allow instructors teaching undergraduate courses to investigate the use of tablet PCs in instruction. In order to investigate tablet PC use in different disciplines, we will consider applications from faculty who teach in departments that have not previously been extensively supported by the exploratory program. Applications are encouraged from faculty who do not teach languages or engineering. There are only three tablet PCs available.
Support provided
Successful applicants will have exclusive use of a loaner Tablet PC computer for the spring term. The CIT will provide training and consultation to help participants successfully integrate the use of the Tablet PC in the classroom.
Who can apply
Instructors who are teaching one or more undergraduate courses and who wish to explore the use of tablet PCs during the Spring 2008 term. Instructors who teach in fields other than engineering or languages are especially encouraged. Apply here.
Review criteria
We have very few tablet PCs available, and we will evaluate requests based on the order in which they are received, department of the applicant, tablet PC availability, the educational objectives and tablet PC-specific uses.
Program requirements
We require your evaluation of both your experiences using the tablet PC in instruction, and our loaner program. Also, we require your help in documenting best practices; this requirement may entail visits to your class, your participation in a video interview, help in providing information and experiences for documentation for other instructors, and participating in the CIT showcase. This commitment will not exceed 6 hours over the course of the semester.
Tablet PC Configuration
The tablet PCs have the following software installed:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, including Microsoft® Windows® Journal
Microsoft® Office
Google SketchUp (free edition)
Microsoft® Experience Pack for Tablet PC
Microsoft® Education Pack for Tablet PC
The borrower is permitted to install additional (legally obtained) software, but is responsible for additional costs and licensing.
Borrower’s responsibilities
The borrower is financially responsible if the computer is lost or stolen, or if it is damaged beyond repairs covered by the warranty. The borrower is responsible for returning the tablet PC and all associated peripherals on or before the return date.
Support for tablet PCs
The OIT Help Desk does not currently support tablet PCs. Your local IT support person can help you with software specific for your discipline, but is not expected to provide routine support for the tablet PC during this pilot. CIT will try to help with any general tablet PC (not discipline-specific) software or hardware issues, but please be aware that support may be limited.
