Transforming Teaching with Tablets

Tablets for Instructors Pilot Program

Transforming Teaching with Tablets is a 2021 pilot program for faculty and course instructors to develop innovative methodology and instructional pedagogy through technology in the classroom. ITS provided devices, training, and support to the community of instructors. Applications are now closed. 

Often viewed as a hybrid between a laptop computer and a smartphone, a tablet’s size and functionality can provide a mobile yet fully functional solution for instructors, both in and outside of the classroom. 

Expected Benefits

When used appropriately, writing on digital surfaces streamlines teaching workflows and provides flexible access to materials created by instructors during or between traditional lectures.

• Digital writing on tablets using tools such as Zoom annotations, annotated PowerPoint slides, Microsoft Whiteboard, or Miro whiteboarding moves instructor lecture materials from an instructor-focused whiteboard to a collaborative space with tools that enhance collaboration between students and faculty.
• iPads and Surface Pros provide portability of the instructor workspace so they can carry their coursework from class to class and modify their content or grade wherever they are when feeling inspired.
• We expect that instructors will also identify and share additional affordances that the iPad can offer in a teaching and learning environment that may be specific to their discipline or beneficial across disciplines.

Program Requirements

Participating instructors engaged in the following tasks and responsibilities that will build a community of tablet educators through this pilot. Hosted on Microsoft Teams, this community will be a forum for the sharing of best practices and program support from Academic Technologies, CATLR (Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning Through Research), and Digital University Solutions.

Program Timeline

Device Information

Participating instructors indicated a preference for the following devices as part of the pilot program.

Apple iPad Air

• Apple iPad Air – 10.9-inch – WiFi – 64GB – Space Gray
• Apple Pencil 2nd Generation Stylus
• Apple Magic Keyboard and Trackpad

Microsoft Surface Pro

• Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Intel Core i5 Processer – 8GB RAM – 256GB SSD
• Surface Type Keyboard/Trackpad Cover
• Surface Arc Mouse
• Surface Pen Stylus

Selection Criteria

The project committee evaluated proposals based on the following criteria:

• Pedagogical rationale for the tablet implementation
• Potential benefits for student learning
• Motivation for engaging in a Community of Practice to learn from these experiences.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Applications are closed. This program was open to Northeastern instructors of record who were teaching at least one credit-bearing course during the spring 2022 term.

Successful application proposals will include answers to the following short-answer questions:

• What is your experience teaching with a tablet thus far?
• How do you intend to integrate teaching with a tablet in your fall course(s)?
• What activities specific to your discipline do you think a tablet in the classroom may support?
• What benefits do you hope to gain from being in this Community of Practice?