Seneca College received a grant to redesign the delivery of its Applied Science and Technology Fundamentals Program using tablet computers and interactive software. Researchers divided students into experimental and control groups to study the impact of the new technology on engagement and retention. Preliminary findings showed that the tablet classroom helped keep students focused, promoted collaborative learning, and made notes easily accessible, leading to improved organization and support for learning. Students reported that the new technology made classes more interactive and participation less embarrassing, revolutionizing the idea of learning.

5. The tablet classroom has afforded the institution an opportunity to “test drive” the technology and to better understand the potential impact on teaching practice, student success as well as institutional requirements to support a tablet classroom and this latter aspect is not trivial. -Laurel Schollen, Dean Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology

7. Research Protocol to Establish Preliminary Findings Experimental* Control* Sample size 1 st Semester 2 nd Semester 1 st Semester 2 nd Semester Fall 2008 n = 22 Winter 2009 n = 16 Winter 2009 n = 13 Fall 2008 n = 22 Winter 2009 n = 10 Total sample 38 13 22 10 Faculty Technology available HP tablet Dyknow software electronic classroom laptop computer electronic classroom 40% in computer classrooms Student Technology available HP tablets in classroom Dyknow software notes saved on Seneca server students download ‘client’ to personal computer or use library/computer labs on campus traditional note taking *Research groups located at two different campuses

18. REDESIGNED COURSE FOR A TABLET CLASSROOM