USING TABLET COMPUTERS IN LARGE LECTURES

We investigated the efficacy of group learning using tablet computers in a nonmajors introductory Geology course taught during the fall semester of 2007 (GLG 112 – Geologic Disasters). We designed four new exercises for learning in the general topics of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and paleoclimate. We implemented the exercises in three sections of the course. Students in two of the sections used tablets for working in groups of four students (or less) to complete the exercises; in one section students completed the work using a paper-only format. Enrollments for the tablet computer sections were 63 and 69 students; the paper-only section enrolled 98 students. For the tablet sections each student group was given one tablet and asked to complete a tablet-based exercise during the class period. Exercises primarily utilized ArcGIS and/or GoogleEarth applications. For some exercises the tablets were networked to an instructor tablet so student activities and progress could be monitored in real time. Assessment instruments include student surveys, student and instructor interviews. on-site observations, and pre- and post-exercise tests of student content knowledge. Results from these assessments will be presented.