Application of tablet computers in a capstone design course

Tablet PCs look much like regular laptop computers, except their digitized screens can be swiveled around, folded over, and written on with a stylus. Instructors have recognized that this simple write-on feature gives them the opportunity to change the way in which they lecture in a classroom. This paper examines the application of tablet PCs outside of the lecture hall. Specifically, it describes the application of tablet computers to a final year capstone design course. Particular applications include the replacement of the traditional individual design notebook with a shared electronic notebook and enhancement of sketching as a communication tool. A description of the capstone course is given to provide a context for how the tablets were used. The impact of the tablet PCs is discussed and the results of a user survey are presented.