Ethnographic study of student digitized learning: iPad use in the classroom by students and their instructor

Student use of iPads in the classroom has increased steadily over the last 5 years. This presentation will look at one Chemistry professor’s journey into the world digital notes with a student as his guide. Is paper and pencil dead? How has use of tablets in the classroom transformed student note taking and learning? What limitations exist with current note taking platforms and how accessible are tablets to all Wake Forest students? Demonstration and descriptions of some of these tools will be explored, as will implications for students in classrooms that have a zero-tolerance policy on digital devices for note taking.

Presenter Information

Dr. David Wren

Associate Teaching Professor and Director of the Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University

Dr. Wren’s research interests center broadly on understanding the challenges students face while taking introductory chemistry courses. Measuring student learning or attitudinal outcomes using existing assessment instruments, or developing new assessments is central to this understanding. As part of this research, Dr. Wren hopes to identify both traditional and contemporary teaching practices that maximize student learning for students of different backgrounds and preparations.

https://plus.google.com/110205215589400723999

Payton Evans

Student, Wake Forest University

Payton Evans is a freshman majoring in engineering from Benson NC. At Wake, she is involved with Alpha Kappa Psi co-ed business fraternity and club volleyball. When at home she volunteers with the local food pantry. While taking Chemistry 111 with Dr. Wren in the fall she was able to participate in this wonderful project that she will be presenting today.