Digital Ink Technology and Medical Education: Sharpen your Tablet PC Stylus

Barry G Timms and Heidi Nickisch Duggan

Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences and Lommen Health Sciences Library University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA

ABSTRACT:

A decade ago, the Apple Newton was marketed as a handheld device with handwriting recognition. A few years later, pen-based data input, using Graffiti technology, was a feature of Palm Pilots and other similar Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's). As these devices became more popular, the concept of handwriting recognition was re-introduced in PDA's using the Windows CE operating system (Pocket PCs).

Several Medical Schools, including the University of South Dakota, offered Palm handheld devices to incoming medical students with the premise that these small portable computers might enhance the learning environment, through note-taking and easily accessible electronic reference material. Success was limited mainly by the small screen size, synchronization issues, memory, and lack of student motivation. The latest Microsoft operating system – Windows XP Tablet PC – has opened new avenues for some novel applications in the field of basic science medical education. Digital ink technology, the ability to write directly on the computer screen, promises to provide a versatile computing experience with accurate handwriting recognition. In addition, built-in wireless cards permit mobile internet access. Interestingly, these new slate (without keyboard), or notepad-style computers (with attached keyboard and rotating screen), offer a timely opportunity to make all of the earlier expectations a reality. First, the screens are comparable in size and resolution to small laptops; second, the most widely used Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, are integrated with the pen-based screen input.

As a preliminary test of application, a small group of volunteer medical students, who demonstrated a high level of computer skills, were given an opportunity to evaluate the use of Tablet PCs in the classroom setting. Lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations were installed on the devices and a brief training session preceded their use. For comparison, we provided the units to two additional computer novices. In summary, all the students found the experience to be rewarding and comfortable. They commented particularly on the ability to add their own handwritten notes to the lecture handouts; to color in diagrams and to see the features of scanned images at high resolution.

While there are still some issues to be resolved, including battery life, cost and faculty participation, the overall impressions so far are highly convincing with regards to potential use and projected developments in medical education. The increasing use of Tablet PCs in the clinical setting will compliment this educational endeavor. [Supported by a grant from the Office of the Dean, USDSM].

BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION:

Participants will be introduced to some of the features of Tablet PC technology and how it could be used to enhance medical student learning efficiency. Results of a preliminary evaluation will be discussed.

Barry G. Timms, Ph.D. CO-AUTHORS:

Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences Heidi Nickisch Duggan, M.A.

University of South Dakota Lommen Health Sciences Library

School of Medicine University of South Dakota

414 East Clark Street 414 East Clark Street

Vermillion, SD 57069 Vermillion, SD 57069

Phone: 605-677-5144 Phone: 605-677-5121

Fax: 605-677-5360

Email: btimms@usd.edu

Website: http://www.usd.edu/biomed/java/faculty/biosketch/barrytimms.shtml