We describe how technology is
used in the classroom to support our pedagogical goals in teaching several
Environmental Science courses. In 2003 we revised our junior level course
sequence to utilize an interdisciplinary, problem-solving focus and to foster
active- and experiential-based learning. This naturally led to changes in
instructional format and pedagogy, with an increased emphasis on student
participation, in-class activities, and stronger ties with the field component
of the course. We initially implemented these changes through traditional
means. However, the results from these were often not satisfying for either the
student or instructor. Often exercises only engaged a portion of the class or
exercises took too long and became cumbersome as a result of the medium
chosen. Starting in winter 2006,
we were able to use networked Tablet PCs running Classroom Presenterª to
facilitate students' in-class interaction with the instructional materials and
the class. Lectures were developed using traditional Powerpointª slides,
converted to the Classroom Presenterª software. Groups of two to three students
were then periodically and formally engaged in designed exercises. Exercise
preparation and integration into each lecture in itself facilitated improved
instructional attention to pedagogy and greater clarity of material for the
students. The technology was used to increase student participation, provide
student artifacts to support discussion, and to enhance the record of classroom
activities.