Using Tablet Devices in Learning, Teaching and Education

This blog post article discusses using tablet computing devices within learning environments, with a particular focus on the new HP TouchPad, which is the first webOS tablet from HP (formerly Palm).  When referring to learning environments within this article, this can be in relation to teaching, learning, e-learning and other educational settings.  I have focused on the HP TouchPad to give this article a single device to feature and feel the TouchPad is an excellent tablet device solution for use within learning as well as other personal and work related settings for a variety of Internet, email, entertainment, gaming and other uses.

Other reasons why I have chosen this device include being a long time user of webOS operating systems (OS) ranging from the early Palm OS to the latest webOS version and feel given the background and experience of the OS it has the edge over other rival tablet devices.  The article features an introduction to tablet devices, the benefits, a few brief comparisons and summary, whilst focussing on their use within a learning environment.

Introduction to tablet devices

As a definition of a tablet, slate, tablet computer or device, it is the term used to describe a type of portable all in one computer in a form factor similar in size to a notebook or netbook computer.  Due to this, the device resembles a ‘slate’ or ‘tablet’ and features a touch-screen interface and on certain models a stylus for input purposes.

Benefits and uses within learning

As an educator and advocate for using various technologies, I feel there are a variety of benefits of using tablets within a learning environment both from a teaching and learning perspective, as featured in the list below:

  • Delivering presentations (either using the tablet to view the slides as you face the audience or class and could be used to display a presentation script)
  • Recording attendance (quick mobile method of recording attendance instead of using a traditional paper form, tracking spreadsheet or other electronic tracking system)
  • Use to display a variety of content to learners in order to demonstrate, explain concepts or use questioning within subject area, for example, like traditional flash cards
  • Acts as an extension to the main computer, allowing you to continue to access files, resources and other content on the tablet when away from the computer
  • Access Learning Management System (LMS) as you continue to move around classroom or through learning areas and rooms, allowing you to conveniently check progress, assign tests and due to the mobile portable form factor can discuss aspects whilst with the learner if carrying out a review
  • Edit, write and view session plans, schemes of work, other documentation and resources with document editing and viewing software
  • Acts as a flexible mobile electronic enrolment station, allowing you to move around to each individual learner enrolling them instantly
  • Use for mobile e-learning (m-learning) content delivery
  • Ability to expand further through a variety of apps (applications), for example:
      • Control presentations through a third party app
      • Use TouchPad tablet as an input device for controlling interactive whiteboard
  • Other key features: turns on instantly with no boot up time when device not fully shut down, portable size, Internet access via Wi-Fi (with mobile connected version released later on), dedicated email app, e-book reader, view various multimedia (photos, video, music) and good battery life as well as many other possibilities

Brief comparisons

Although the HP TouchPad is a late arrival to the tablet market sector as other major companies already have their established tablet devices available.  One of the biggest benefits compared to the main rival iPad is the Adobe Flash Player support, which will allow the user to view a variety of Flash based content and sites.  This is an important factor within a learning setting, as it allows access to a variety of e-learning content and learning modules, Learning Management Systems (LMS) and testing systems.  By supporting Flash content, it makes using a tablet device within education a real, practical option, making a variety of learning related content and systems usable.

Due to the TouchPad supporting Flash content, this is a major point compared to other rival devices, such as the iPad as this doesn’t support Flash content.  Although my personal opinion of this difference is that Apple is such a big company and has a big market share that eventually it will need to support Flash content or there will be a shift by websites and developers in how content is made available in a variety of formats to accommodate users of the iPad.  In addition, it also must be noted that Android operating system based tablets support Flash content.

Another benefit of using the TouchPad compared to other tablets is the multi-tasking capability, enabling you to have a variety of windows or ‘cards’ (as they are called in webOS) open for all your active work.  For example, email, Learning Management System, attendance and learner tracking spreadsheet could all be open at the same time.

Other features and benefits in-depth and explored

Although it is possible to type using the on screen virtual keyboard, I personally wouldn’t want to type for long continuous periods on a tablet touch screen.  However, if it is necessary to type for such periods, then a wireless keyboard is available for the TouchPad with a predicted battery life to last up to several months.  A big benefit of the wireless keyboard is that it allows you to type comfortably whilst being able to view the entire TouchPad screen. Again, accessories such as a keyboard are available for other tablet devices.  Another feature is the ability to print wirelessly as long as you have a compatible printer.

In terms of accessibility, due to a disability or other difficulties, then the TouchPad tablet is flexible in being able to resize the on-screen keyboard to your own preference (extra small, small, medium or large) or alternate between settings depending on the task being carried out.  For example, if replying to an email you may want to view most of the screen and have a small keyboard displayed.

Through a variety of apps you are able to expand the use of the TouchPad further.  When more apps become available, such as dedicated apps specifically for use within teaching and learning environments for a range of tasks, that could include: recording attendance, links to resources or interactive whiteboard materials as well as being able to access resources such as Moodle.

In addition to the TouchPad tablet, the Pre 3 smartphone will shortly be available following the launch of the TouchPad which runs the same OS and through Touch to Share technology, the devices link together in order to continue working on a smaller screen if access is required on the go via the phone.  The useful Touch to Share feature works by tapping the phone onto the TouchPad to allow the content on screen to be instantly transferred to the other device.  Due to tablet devices being extremely portable and the Touch to Share feature, they are convenient to move between teaching rooms, providing the ability to take email, calendar and other work with you to continue working and receive notifications.

Other accessories, such as the Touchstone charger offer additional flexibility of simply placing the tablet down on the stand and will charge and top up the battery wirelessly via conductive technology.  This avoids the need of physically plugging it in when in a busy environment and ensures it is ready for the next session or use.  E-book reader apps, such as Amazon Kindle can also be seen as a learning tool, as you are able to access reference books for your studies or read training books on the tablet whilst being able to perform actions away from the TouchPad.  Due to them being e-books, some books may contain interactive features, such as demonstration animations and video to be fully immersed than a traditional book.

Past experience of similar tablet devices used in a teaching, training and learning setting, include the ‘el-box’ which is a service offered by ThirdForce to offer ‘E-Learning in a box’, allowing e-learning to be delivered conveniently via a hardware and software solution using tablet devices.  This is an ideal solution, when having to travel to different sites and deliver sessions as well as in workplace learning, where space maybe at a premium.

From a learning point of view using a tablet could be seen as being more flexible, portable, convenient and enjoyable, allowing learners to continue learning where traditional computers and laptops aren’t possible.  Due to the compact size it allows learning if space is restricted in a learning area and is ideal for m-learning (mobile learning).

Tablets can also be used for the basis of the actual session topic.  For example, I’ve delivered sessions allowing learners to be aware of the various benefits of Social Media and seeing how it is relevant for their particular lives.  By utilising tablets, you would be able to cover the same topics of VOIP such as Skype, using the camera when covering Social Media, IM (Instant Messaging) and conferencing topics with learners.  By integrating tablets within the sessions and learners using them, it allows them to become familiar with this new technology and continue to work towards bridging the digital divide.

As mentioned within this article, there are a variety of uses from a teaching, administrative point of view as well as learners using tablet devices for their own learning.  Other uses could include being able to conduct enrolments flexibly and unobtrusively, especially when present at an open day promotional event away from the main campus site.  Another idea could be to use tablet devices within class as voting tools for a variety of educational quizzes, ice breakers, assessments and other activities.

I believe tablets can be used in all sectors of education, whether primary, secondary, post-16 or workplace learning.  Especially convenient for training and assessing in the workplace for recording actions of the learners whilst being able to move around with it, due to its space saving size and form factor.  It is also a useful flexible tool for assessment purposes and to record progress, as the included camera could be used for evidence purposes, where as compared to using traditional methods, you would need to use a computer, which is probably away from the required work area, separate camera and then upload pictures to record assessment evidence.

Tablets can be useful in a variety of different contexts, however still continuing the learning theme, another idea could be to use the tablet as a guide.  For example, tourist information, museum guides incorporating audio, visual, text, flash animations and even augmented reality content (ability to look at something on tablet through camera and view a variety of information and additional content) which makes learning more fun, relevant and memorable.  Due to being more interactive than traditional paper guides, it would be a preferred choice allowing a range of leaning styles and preferences to be accommodated.

Conclusion

The HP TouchPad represents an innovative user interface and experience, due to utilising the webOS operating system and is a pleasure to use and navigate around whether using it for entertainment, personal or work use.  However, when considering its use within learning and teaching settings then it makes learning convenient, as you can continue to access and engage in activities anywhere due to Wi-Fi and even more so once the mobile connected version is released at a later date.  It offers a true mobile and non-mobile learning experience, that through using the tablet adds to the learning experience.

Through a variety of educational apps the possibilities are endless in terms of being able to support a range of learning tools and resources.  Over recent years, tablet devices have become a popular new market area and in the future I believe they will continue to grow further for general use as well as within specialist areas such as learning, teaching and education as discussed in this article.  Although webOS tablets are imminently about to launch and enter an already established competitive market, I highly champion the OS and believe eventually it has the potential to have the edge over other rivals.

As the webOS platform continues to develop I will continue to publish a series of articles focusing on its use within education.   Finally, I hope this article has been of interest to anyone interested in using technology from a learning and teaching perspective as well as exploring the potential impact of tablet computers in education.

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BBC WebWise Social Media Basics Course

The Social Media Basics online course has been introduced into the BBC WebWise learning resources.  I have used and recommended the BBC online e-learning resources numerous times throughout the years within my work, including WebWise for IT / computer use, Skillswise for Skills for Life in Literacy and Numeracy as well as the RaW campaign to assist with Reading and Writing.

This latest addition is a welcome update as an advocate for Social Media / Networking and will allow learners to understand the various benefits and uses of the Social Media services available as well as the safety and privacy aspects.  I have delivered tutor-led awareness sessions as an introduction to Social Media and this will be a useful resource to signpost learners to for additional resources as well as to complement existing course material.

The Social Media Basics course covers the following areas:

  • Introduction to social media
  • Get started with social networks
  • Communicating using social networks
  • Stay safe on social networks
  • Protect your privacy on social networks
  • Etiquette and libel on social networks
  • Share photos and videos with friends and family
  • Organise events with social networks
  • Join groups and pages, forums and clubs

The BBC WebWise Social Media Basics course can be accessed by clicking here.

Totnes Healthy Futures Project Community Garden

Whilst I was visiting Totnes recently I visited the Totnes Healthy Futures Project Community Garden located in Lamb Garden between Cistern Street and Leechwell Street.  The project and garden was created originally with an aim to help people with mental and phyiscal disabilities and difficulties.  The garden is maintained by volunteers and was funded by a variety of sources, including Greater Dartmoor Leaf (Local Enterprise Action Fund), Leatside Surgery, South Hams District Council and the Big Lottery Fund.  The project garden offers growing sessions providing volunteering opportunities, learning how to grow fruit and vegetables, physical exercise as well as heathly eating information.  During my visit a selection of vegetables, fruit and herbs were developing, including different varieties of mint (apple mint, moroccan mint, black peppermint and garden mint) (as pictured in the gallery below or by visiting my Flickr set).

Raised Vegetable Bed – the VegTrug

This blog post article discusses planning and introducing a raised vegetable bed to the garden.  I have been planning to add a raised vegetable bed to the garden for sometime now, but never had time to get around to doing this garden project as yet.

After considering the many possibilities, including making my own and visiting a selection of garden centres for possible raised bed products I stumbled upon the VegTrug.  Although raised bed products and kits aren’t a new idea, the VegTrug seems to have become a popular product in a short amount of time.  The VegTrug is an attractive wooden raised vegetable bed in a range of sizes.  Due to it being raised above the ground, it keeps produce away from slugs and snails.  The British firm behind the VegTrug has also introduced a few innovative ideas, such as an iPhone app, website offering growing ideas, pictures, videos and other relevant content as well as a Twitter feed which I feel adds value to the product and their brand in order to ensure you make full use of the VegTrug and to provide and share new fresh ideas through users contributing their comments.  I decided to use the VegTrug for the basis of my raised vegetable bed, however due to popularity the size I wanted was out of stock.  Therefore, I reserved one and now waiting for new stock to be delivered to the garden centre in the next few weeks.  Due to waiting for the VegTrug to arrive, I have been able to plan my vegetable bed.  The plan so far for the raised vegetable bed is as follows:

A selection of vegetables, salad, herbs and fruit will be grown, initially as listed below.

  • Strawberries in one or two corners, due to cascading over the side
  • A row of carrots in the middle due to more depth
  • Curly kale
  • Mint in another corner
  • Lettuce or other salad leaves
  • Radishes
  • Spring onions
  • Other possible additions: beetroot, cabbage and potatoes

It will be situated on a paved area and produce will be planted using a mix of seeds and from plants.  Previously I have grown vegetables, herbs such as mint and fruit separately in pots and containers.  However, the VegTrug will allow me to have a dedicated self-contained raised vegetable bed in the garden for growing a selection of homegrown produce.  Other benefits include easy maintenance and weeding as well as watering of the produce due to it being raised and a self-contained area.  It is also versatile as the produce grown can change depending on the seasons and if not required during a particular period could be used for planting flowers and plants as a decorative planter.  I’m excited about the new addition to the garden and can’t wait to install the VegTrug, plant the produce and for the first harvest.  I will post further blog updates and articles, including pictures in order to follow how the raised vegetable bed grows and develops as well as changes through the seasons.

Brake Farm Community Resource Centre Blog Launched

I have recently launched a blog in relation to where I work in order to provide existing and potential learners, members of the community, trustees, staff as well as other interested individuals with news, updates, information and other articles about Brake Farm Community Resource Centre in Crownhill, Plymouth.

The blog can be viewed at: http://brakefarm.wordpress.com

A variety of other social media / networking services have also been utilised and linked to the blog, including a Flickr Photostream / Gallery, which provides a range of pictures from activities at the centre.  Ultimately, the blog and other social media features will continue to develop offering a rich interactive method of communication.

The blog and subsequent blog post articles should represent a useful communication and promotional tool, enabling a variety of benefits including keeping people up-to-date with the latest news, events and activities at Brake Farm Community Resource Centre.  The blog and blog posts will cover a range of areas about the centre, learning related activities and other events, featuring a variety of content including information, pictures, links and other media such as video clips.

Social Media Networking Learning Session

This blog post discusses the Social Media / Networking learning session I recently delivered as part of a research project.  The sessions delivered had an aim to increase learner’s IT literacy skills through utilising Social Media as the vehicle to develop IT skills and at the same time introduce Social Media / Networking topics, skills, knowledge and understanding.  Learners were able to become informed about the various Social Media sites available and benefits as well as the meaning of the various jargon and terms associated with Social Media.

The sessions allowed learners to learn the essentials, providing a taster to explore further if desired.  Through participating, learners were able to gain confidence, develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of both general computer use and Social Media.  Activities included communicating via different Social Media / Networking platforms and services, editing profile information, registering own accounts if desired, searching for people or groups of interest, searching for topics of interest, adding people as well as sending tweets and messages.

During the sessions, Facebook, Twitter, Google Maps, Street View and Skype were used for a variety of reasons, including work and personal interest such as sharing recipes, saving money, keeping up-to-date with the latest news and general communication with family and friends.  Learners were able to become familiar with Social Media terminology and see the relevance for their life.

A summary of the sessions are below:

Session 1: Introduction to Social Media tools and services (discussion), benefits of Social Media, introduction to Facebook and demonstration, introduce and discuss Twitter, Twitter activity (communicating via Twitter, find and add other group members, guess which group member by asking questions via sending messages), Twitter basics (tweets, retweet, hash tags), activity (search using keywords, find people of interest, search for topic(s) of interest / interest groups), upload picture, conclusion (terms / glossary / definitions, discussion point / questions)

Session 2: Introduce session objectives via Skype video conferencing, recap previous session, introduce VOIP services, Skype activity (instant messaging, video call), introduce and demonstrate Google Earth / Street View, activity (find and explore places of interest)

Session 3: Introduce session, recap previous session, saving money using the Internet, activity (find vouchers or sites relevant to needs), saving time using the Internet, activity (route planner, maps), conclusion and recap of sessions

Following the sessions, outcomes and findings included learners found sessions enjoyable, were motivated to move on to further learning or courses, felt confident to use IT and computers, although at first learners thought it may not be of interest and were reluctant about Social Media.  Throughout the sessions, learners could see the benefit and relevance of using Social Media, which encouraged them to register and use Social Media as they had a genuine reason to use it since having it explained, demonstrated and trying it themselves.  Other comments included “these sessions have really given me genuine reasons to use Social Media…”, “I spend enough time on the computer already and now this means I’ll be on it more!”, “this has given me the motivation to go on to further computer courses” and “I will be registering an account as soon as I get home”.

In conclusion, the sessions were successful in effectively using Social Media as a teaching and learning tool to deliver sessions covering Social Media / Networking concepts and activities as well as increasing IT / computer skills through utilising Social Media as the vehicle to develop IT and Internet skills.  The session objectives were made relevant to their needs and life in order to understand how Social Media tools and services could be useful as well as being able to gain, practice and improve computer and Internet skills.

An example of a few of the Tweets sent during the session are included below:

HP Palm WebOS Announcement: Future Revealed

The waiting is nearly over with less than ten days remaining until HP Palm’s big announcement(s) on 9th February, I thought I would take a nostalgic look back over my usage of Palm devices, Palm’s history and look forward to what possibilities could be available very shortly.

I have used Palm devices for over 10 years, initially using a Palm m505, then a Palm Tungsten T3 and TX.  All of these devices were PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), which used various versions of the original Palm OS operating system.  Since it was launched in the UK, I now use a Palm Pre, which is a smartphone.

When reflecting on the older Palm PDA devices, I used them for various reasons including personal and work activities.  The main features I utilised were for PIM (Personal Information Management), for example: calendar appointments, contacts, memos and notes.  I would use the devices for various other activities including accessing the Internet, playing games, listening to music, watching video clips and using a range of installed applications.  In the later TX model, I was able to use this for GPS Satellite Navigation in addition to the above uses.  Throughout using all of the devices, I enjoyed the convenience of being able to use a portable, handheld device in order to access, view, create and edit information, the ability to sync information between the device and Palm Desktop on my computer using the cradle or cable.  Just like the cradle with older Palm devices, the Pre uses a Touchstone dock, allowing the phone to charge wirelessly using inductive technology.

The Palm Pre uses the Palm webOS operating system.  Some of the main benefits of webOS are the multi-tasking capability, notifications of updates and messages (calendar appointments, text messages, emails and other alerts), ability to synchronise various online accounts (email, contacts, calendars and others including Facebook, Twitter etc) to the phone as well as a modern user interface.  The main method of interacting with older Palm PDAs was using a stylus, however with the Palm webOS devices they use natural finger gestures via the touch screen, like other modern mobile phones.  Multi-touch actions are also supported to allow you to zoom in and out of pictures for example.  In addition to the touch screen, the Pre has a QWERTY keyboard that slides out, due to being a slide type phone.

Another difference between Palm OS and webOS is the multi-tasking ability, whereas previously you would have to go in and out of applications.  With webOS you can multi-task being able to go between several open apps at once with each application being displayed within a “card” concept.  The webOS operating system is updated via automatic OTA (over-the-air) updates when necessary, allowing new features, applications as well as other improvements.

Throughout using all Palm devices, I continually use them throughout the day, everyday in my personal and work life for various tasks including contacts, appointments, alarms, reminders and typing notes allowing me to access information and complete tasks quickly and easily without the need of a computer, especially somewhere when computer access isn’t possible.

In relation to the upcoming HP Palm announcment, I imagine HP Palm has been busy behind the scenes preparing new devices, webOS updates as well as other new features and products in preparation for the big “Think Beyond” event on 9th February.  This is reinforced by the various leaks, rumours and duration since there has been a new device or significant webOS update released.

As a long time Palm user, I’m personally looking forward in anticipation to a selection of new devices in a range of form factors, such as phones, tablets / slates for the different needs of the users.  I also look forward to other improvements, such as new innovative features in webOS updates, new apps, faster performance as well as improved battery life.

The announcement(s) that HP Palm will be revealing in just over a week will hopefully represent the biggest announcements of what will be coming very soon and in the near future in terms of their roadmap for devices, webOS, accessories and other updates.

Featured in Plymouth Herald Newspaper – Beginner Computer Courses

Featured in Plymouth Herald newspaper on 8th January 2011 regarding the latest beginner computer course opportunities offered for the New Year.  The course activities are part of the latest UK Online Centres Go ON – get more out of life online campaign.  To view the article go to: http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Beginner-courses/article-3078265-detail/article.html or click on the screenshot below.

What I love most about HP Palm is…

What I love most about HP Palm is…that you can get on with life!  Whether for personal or business use and even when you have access to a computer to do something, sometimes it’s easier and quicker to get the task done from your HP Palm WebOS phone due to it’s innovative features and apps ready to instantly launch.  For example, the effortless and intuitive user interface, instant access to email, multi-tasking between applications, notifications alerting you of new messages or updates.

Having a HP Palm phone is especially important in places where you don’t have access to a computer but need to get something done, like send an important email as the resources and information you need is available at your fingers!  Also, with some devices it is difficult to be able to do anything, whereas with HP Palm you can complete multiple tasks: such as search for a Christmas gift online, find the best, order it, receive an email notification and read the email confirmation.  Finally, the only part that doesn’t involve your HP Palm phone is sitting back and relaxing whilst waiting for the gift to be delivered!  However, whilst you are relaxing you could play a game or listen to some music on your device!

Although the latest HP Palm phones use the WebOS operating system, which is completely different than the previous Palm OS existence, the HP Palm principles, features and benefits remain the same: innovative features and technology, focus on the user experience as well as incorporating the latest features of today, such as Flash content and social networking apps.

Sometimes you even forget it’s a phone too!  But for a multitude of simple tasks and activities like calls and managing contacts and calendars, then this can be done easily as well.  Also with features utilising cloud services, this further releases the dependence on using a computer and allows you to sync your information without a computer for backup purposes and to access via online accounts.

Another feature is the App Catalog, enabling access to a selection of constantly updated applications to download and use, such as games, tools and various software for playing music or Internet radio stations, editing photos, checking the status of trains and planes and checking the weather.  This enables users to expand their HP Palm experience and productivity even further.  Another example is the Poster app, enabling you to access, create and edit WordPress.com blog posts and content, which is what I used to publish this blog post you’re reading.  Other features, like over-the-air updates add new features to make it even better and faster as well as important updates to ensure your HP Palm WebOS device doesn’t get left behind.

Whatever reason, whether for business or pleasure, whatever time of the year, wherever you are and whatever you need to do, you can be reassured you’ll be able to do it on a HP Palm phone or device.  Due to the above, a HP Palm smartphone is the ultimate handheld device as it’s so powerful, productive, innovative, quick and useful, that it’s difficult to get on with life without one!

Updated Plymouth Page

I have updated the Plymouth page on my site, which features useful information about Plymouth.  I’ve been meaning to update the page for a while and have removed old content and integrated widgets to display news and information from a variety of sources.  For example, a weather forecast for Plymouth, news from my Twitter Plymouth News list stream (consisting of various sources of news and information) and embedded pictures of Plymouth and South West from my Flickr photo set.  The page provides the above Plymouth information directly on one page, enabling visitors to access several aspects in one place as well as the content automatically updating.

Hopefully, learners, colleagues, friends, family and other users of the site will find the updated page useful.  Access the Plymouth page through the main drop down menu available on the site: www.dpm.me.uk