Handwriting-based learning materials on a tablet PC: a prototype and its practical studies in an elementary school

This paper presents handwriting-based learning materials (HLMs) on a tablet PC and their practical studies in an elementary school. We designed HLMs to be created using HLM components or a HLM template for teachers to create their original materials. Practical studies demonstrated that HLMs could be effectively used when children expressed and presented their ideas in a classroom and when they practiced calculations and characters by hand. We also investigated the application of a handwriting recognition technique to automatically check children´s handwritten answers to drill materials. Using questionnaires, we confirmed that automatic checking not only saved time but also improved the children´s motivation to learn. HLMs were enthusiastically embraced by both field teachers and children.