Comparative study of netbooks and tablet PCs for fostering face-to-face collaborative learning

Authors:
Claudio Alvarez;Christian Brown;Miguel Nussbaum
Affiliations:
Computer Science Department, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile;Computer Science Department, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile;Computer Science Department, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
Venue:
Computers in Human Behavior
Year:
2011

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Abstract

With the recent appearance of netbooks and low-cost tablet PCs, a study was undertaken to explore their potential in the classroom and determine which of the two device types is more suitable in this setting. A collaborative learning activity based on these devices was implemented in 5 sessions of a graduate engineering course of 20 students, most of whom were aged 22-25 and enrolled in undergraduate computer science and information technology engineering programs. Student behavior attributes indicating oral and gesture-based communication were observed and evaluated. Our findings indicate that in the context in which this study was undertaken, tablet PCs strengthen collective discourse capabilities and facilitate a richer and more natural body language. The students preferred tablet PCs to netbooks and also indicated greater self-confidence in expressing their ideas with the tablet's digital ink and paper technology than with the netbooks' traditional vertical screen and keyboard arrangement.