PROJECT OVERVIEW
In Fall 2011, the Lehigh Lab began a research project evaluating how iPads can be used in higher education classrooms. Our key research questions are:
- Which uses of the iPad are most/least useful in helping students meet course goals?
- Do the iPads detract in any significant way from traditional modes of teaching and learning valued by the students or instructors?
- Does the presence of the iPads in this class have an impact on students’ perception of educational technology in general?
- Do the students use their iPads for other classes and, if so, how?
- What new uses of the devices do users envision (i.e., uses that would require hardware or apps that do not yet exist)?
- What are the key elements of effective Instructional Technology support for such a class and what factors promoted/impeded such support?
To answer these questions, we will work closely with faculty and students in selected courses that are using LTS-supplied iPads. Data will be gathered through surveys and focus groups with students and faculty. We will also ask faculty to include, when possible, assignments that specifically invite student reflection on questions 1-5 above. Question 6 will be addressed by the Instructional Technology consultants involved in the project, who will keep notes on successes and challenges encountered in the project.
TECHNICAL AND LOGISTICAL DETAILS
Each semester, Lehigh faculty will be invited to submit a proposal to the Lehigh Lab describing how they would use iPads in the coming semester. Proposals will include a statement of the learning goals for the course and research goals specifically related to the integration of iPads into the course. Selected faculty and their students willl receive an iPad to use for the full duration of the semester and the class will receive dedicated support from the Instructional Technology team. Participating faculty and students will record reflections on their use of the iPad in the classroom (chronicling successes and frustrations) and will be asked to participate in surveys and focus groups to help the research team determine areas of most and least successful uses. For Fall 2011, LTS purchased 25 iPads (with a keyboard/case and a stylus for each user). For Spring 2012, LTS purchased an additional 37 units.
COURSES, PROJECTS AND FACULTY
FALL 2014
Integration of iPads into the TRAC program at Lehigh University- Professor: Greg Skutches
Fathom: An Educational iOS App for Operations Research- Professor: Larry Snyder
SUMMER 2014
Lehigh in London (ENGL-195-011-SU14) Professor: Michael Kramp
Governor's School-Professor: Helen Chan
CHOICES Program- http://www.lehigh.edu/~inchoice/
FALL 2013 - SPRING 2014
Integration of iPads into the TRAC program at Lehigh University: Greg Skutches
SPRING 2013
FALL 2012
Painting (ART-35) Professor: Berrisford Boothe
SPRING 2012
FALL 2011
610-758-3825
alr1@lehigh.edu
