HP Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative

In July of 2004, Springfield Technical Community College received a grant from Hewlett Packard to implement mobile technology in the classroom. Using HP Tablet PCs and electronic ink, students produce handwritten mathematical homework solutions to complex problems. These solutions are delivered to the instructor electronically, the instructor grades the solutions using electronic ink and sends them back to the students electronically. This process eliminates paper and gives students rapid feedback compared to the traditional method of collecting paper one class, grading and passing back paper the next. The STCC professors involved in this project represent the Schools of Engineering Technology, Math, Sciences & Engineering Transfer. During the project, they serve as mentors to other faculty preparing to adapt their curriculum for use in a mobile technology driven classroom.

Project Goals

Enhance learning and success in mathematically intensive courses using mobile technology.
Drive education in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields through the development and maintenance of state-of-the-art methods and materials.
Leverage mobile technologies to create an instructional system that maximizes relevance, timeliness and efficiency in curriculum and materials distribution and feedback.
Promote awareness of new technologies utilizing a series of established national networks.
Institutionalize work done to promote sustainability and commitment.

Project Objectives

Advance STEM instruction at the technician and applied baccalaureate levels.
Prepare faculty to deliver curriculum using state-of-the art alternative methods.
Develop instructional methods that improve student competencies in STEM based courses.
Continue the development and dissemination of innovative materials and methods for use in the classroom and for delivery over converged networks.
Disseminate best practices utilizing a series of established national networks.