Experiences using tablet PCs in a programming laboratory

ABSTRACT

This experience report describes lessons learned using first generation tablet PCs to support active learning in an undergraduate computer science laboratory course. We learned that tablet PCs are poorly matched to typical CS laboratory tasks: writing, compiling, and testing programs. Pen-based input is inadequate for typical program editing tasks, and a pen is less effective than a mouse when typing at a keyboard. Students show a clear preference for desktop computers in this environment. Nearly three quarters of our students preferred a lab supporting wireless connectivity, however. Students also believe that the use of movable, reconfigurable furniture allows them to work in arrangements that are more natural during lab. Overall, students preferred the flexibility provided by wireless network access, freedom from cables, and movable furniture, but felt tablets were ineffective for programming tasks.

REFERENCES

• 1: Robert H. Anderson, Programming on a tablet: A proposal for a new notation, Proceedings of the symposium on Two-dimensional man-machine communication, p.113-123, October 01-01, 1972, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States
• 2: Richard Anderson , Ruth Anderson , Beth Simon , Steven A. Wolfman , Tammy VanDeGrift , Ken Yasuhara, Experiences with a tablet PC based lecture presentation system in computer science courses, Proceedings of the 35th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education, March 03-07, 2004, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
• 3: Dave Berque , Terri Bonebright , Michael Whitesell, Using pen-based computers across the computer science curriculum, Proceedings of the 35th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education, March 03-07, 2004, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
• 4: S. Dray , D. Siegel , E. Feldman , M. Potenza, Why do version 1.0 and not release it?: Conducting field trials of the tablet PC, interactions, v.9 n.2, March 2002 [doi>10.1145/505103.505109]
• 5: Popyack, J.L., and Herrmann, N. Electronic grading: When the tablet is mightier than the pen. Syllabus, January 2003, pp. 18--20.
• 6: Laurie Williams , Richard L. Upchurch, In support of student pair-programming, Proceedings of the thirty-second SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer Science Education, p.327-331, February 2001, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.5 COMPUTER SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
      C.5.3 Microcomputers

General Terms:
Human Factors

Keywords:
CS1, furniture, pen, programming, reconfigurable lab, tablet, wireless