The tablet PC and similar pen-based devices are being embraced by a wide variety of disciplines as tools for the radical enhancement of teaching and learning. Deployments of Tablet PCs span all the K-12, higher education, and graduate levels and deal with an amazingly diverse range of subject areas, including geology, writing, mathematics, computer science, Japanese language, physics, engineering, business, economics, and technical communications. Despite the diversity of content areas, many deployments generate a singular passion among students and teachers. In April of 2006, a group of educators gathered to exchange ideas at the First Workshop on the Impact of Pen-based Technology on Education (WIPTE). The editors have selected a subset of papers that were presented at WIPTE for inclusion in this book. The papers have been selected for their broad appeal, diverse content, and insightful evaluations. The collective experiences of these authors will help the reader to identify best practices with regard to the educational use of pen-based computing.
Dr. Dave Berque is professor and chair of computer science at DePauw University. He earned a Ph. D in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 1997, he was named the Baccalaureate Colleges Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. He has published more than 20 refereed journal and conference papers and has received several grants from the National Science Foundation. Dave's pen-based computing projects have been discussed in a variety of venues including CNN, The New York Times, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Dave also works as an instructional technology consultant for DyKnow. Dr. Jane Prey is a Program Manager at Microsoft Research, External Research and Programs. She spent 11 years as a faculty member in the Computer Science Department at the University of Virginia. In addition, Jane spent 2 years as a Program Director in the Division of Undergraduate Education at the National Science Foundation. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and her Ph .D from the University of Virginia. She also serves on several boards and committees. Rob Reed is a University Relations Representative at Hewlett-Packard with twelve years of experience in the fields of engineering and technology. Prior to joining Hewlett-Packard, Rob worked in a similar capacity at Microsoft. Rob earned a BS from Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, started a computer modeling consultancy, received an MBA in Finance (Indiana University), worked for Deloitte Consulting and taught technology to undergraduates at Indiana University.
