Overview
Implemented in Fall 2011 for EARS 006: Environmental Change, the main objective in this innovation was to capture real-time illustrations (like drawings on the board) for later review by students. The problem being addressed was two fold.
- Camtasia Relay only captures the presenting computer’s screen, thus any drawings made on the board are lost once class ends. Not only did the instructor want to capture those drawings, he also wanted the references to items on the screen to be visible to viewers of the Camtasia recordings.
- It was important to the instructor that he not be tethered to the podium. So while a drawing application on the lecture computer and the mouse would capture the illustrations, they would also restrict his movement.
The elegant solution was using AirSketch for iPad, which allowed the instructor to use the iPad to control the slides, draw on top of them, and have the whole thing captured by Camtasia Relay. Since AirSketch operates wirelessly, he was able to roam freely around the room while using it. In a class of nearly 300 students, a side benefit was the ability to project the illustrations on a screen much larger than would have been possible on a traditional white- or blackboard.
Feedback
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. There were a few who were ambivalent and a couple ( < 2%) who found it more distracting than anything else, but most found it helpful. From my course evaluations:
” I think the technology in the class was a great aspect of the course. Instead of being able to just hear the lectures be recorded, we can see the notes that the professor makes as well if we were not able to go to class or needed clarification.”
I had a guest lecturer use the system, but he found it to be too distracting. It takes practice to bring the instructor’s focus back to the students in the room, rather than focusing on the iPad in your hand.
Example and Screen Shots
EARS 006: Environmental Change Session 13 – (illustrations begin at 6:22)
Tools: iPad, Apple AirPort Express (used to create a dedicated connection between the iPad and classroom computer), AirSketch App, Camtasia Relay, Adobe PDF, Firefox web browser, BoxWave iPad stylus, LaTeX with beamer for making presentation slides (PowerPoint alternative)
Faculty: Bob Hawley
Instructional Designer: Amanda Albright
Other Support Services: Classroom Technology Services
