Supporting Pen-Based Classroom Interaction: New Findings and Functionality for Classroom Learning Partner

This paper reports the latest developments for a wireless pen-based classroom interaction system, classroom learning partner (CLP), and two new variations - group learning partner (GLP) and elementary learning partner (ELP). CLP consists of a network of Tablet PCs and software for posing questions to students, interpreting their handwritten answers, and aggregating the answers into equivalence classes. Through controlled classroom experiments, we have demonstrated that use of CLP improves student learning, especially among students who might otherwise be left behind. GLP extends CLP to support student group work in the classroom by supporting the transmission of ink between students. ELP is a version of CLP developed for use in elementary school classrooms.