Virginia Tech is linking more than 250 engineering students on wireless Tablet PCs synchronously to provide an interactive environment between the professor and the students. The new software, named DyKnow will provide unique interactivity between the instructor and the class via the Tablet PC.< ?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
DyKnow software allows a professor to write on their Tablet PC, using words similar to written on a conventional blackboard. As the text places in computer, it automatically appears on each of the students' wireless machines, also equipped with the software package. The students are then able to add notes as the professor lectures, and save them for future reference. The combination of the visual, the auditory and the actual note-taking combine to increase the students' retention capabilities. DyKnow provides an intuitive interface to transmit teacher content to student computers for annotation. This eliminates manual copying and gives students more time to focus on understanding concepts. A professor can also poll the students, receiving instant feedback, and even collect student work written in class on their tablets. Recently, Virginia Tech's Alliance has partnered with Fujitsu Computer Systems and Microsoft Research Corporation continues to support its Tablet PC initiatives. Microsoft Corporation is funding the Tablet PC Assessment team.
