In summer 2004, Mayville State University became the first campus to issue Tablet PC notebook computers to all students. The university issued the Gateway M275 performance Tablet PC/notebook computer.
Students can take handwritten notes on their computer screen and save their thoughts in digital ink. Professors and students can make onscreen notes during multi-media presentations to highlight key points for everyone to see. Electronic notes can be made on research papers and be exchanged via e-mail, allowing quicker response times and reducing paper copies.
Mayville reports that the qualitative return on investment is shown in the enthusiasm students and faculty show for accommdating individual styles of learning and teaching.
For some students, this means a more efficient way of learning. For other students, it means an obstacle to learning has been removed.
In 1997, Mayville State was the fourth institution of higher education in the country to require use of mobile computers on campus.
And for a bonus, Mayville State has a noted teacher preparation program. Local school district educators using mobile PCs will likely find skilled, experienced companionship among Mayville State education alumni.
Alumni, let us know what advantages you gained using mobile PCs. It’s time to toot your horns, loudly, at education conferences, on blogs, and so forth.
Kudos to the exemplary vision of the state board of education and educators who made this Tablet PC deployment possible. Many of us continue to follow your progress with interest.