2008 Tablet PC Academy

Rob Mancabelli, Director of Information Systems at Hunterdon Central School District, Flemington, New Jersey, invites teachers to consider attending their 2008 Tablet PC Academy, July 15-17 and July 22-24.

Rob said in an email, Our teachers began using tablet PCs 4 years ago, and it has evolved into a District-wide initiative where over 250 teachers use tablet PCs each day in conjunction with a wireless projector and wireless connectivity. It has had an amazing effect on the integration of technology into instruction and has improved teaching and learning outcomes across our classes. In fact, Purdue University Press just published the findings of one of our research studies in a book called Beyond the Tipping Point which illustrates the implementation of pen technologies in education.

As a Tablet PC Cohort teacher said about using a tablet in the classroom, “This has been the most fun and exciting [time] of my teaching career -- after 14 years, that's saying a lot” (title page).

And that's just the beginning of useful information in this research report.

The Academy appears to address important points for teachers wanting to use Tablet PCs and other mobile PCs in classrooms:

􀂾 Learn practical applications for tablet PC integration in your classrooms

􀂾 Use the tablet to increase student engagement

􀂾 Practice productivity tips

􀂾 Share knowledge with colleagues

􀂾 Collaborate with other professionals

􀂾 Understand how to plan a successful tablet PC program

Kudos, Rob, your IT team, and school personnel from Board of Education, administrators, and instruction and support staff for setting a brisk pace by demonstrating how public schools can use mobile PC technology to increase student learning.

And thanks, community tax payers, for supporting and encouraging this bold move to provide contemporary schooling practices for your young people.

Thanks, Rob, for reminding me of your program! Let us know of your progress. Many of us are interested.