Work In Progress: Tablet PC's as a Leveling Device!

Hewlett Packard Tablet PC's were used to alter the accessibility of the academic learning environment within a core information technology course entitled "Needs Assessment." This class deals with the softer side of IT, as it relates to communication and information-gathering. Taught in a classroom, technology has not been a part of the course learning style. The implementation of wireless tablet PC's augmented the curriculum on several levels. Interactions between diverse students (RIT has 1500 Deaf and hard of hearing students, due to the presence of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf) were impacted positively. The ability for students to communicate online while working face to face was unique, and the collaborative learning experience was heightened due to the functionality of the Tablets. However, there were also interesting trade-offs. In addition, it was discovered that students with other disabilities benefited in ways that were not anticipated