Developing Software and Methodologies for eBook/Browsers to Enhance Learning

新一代的移动设备正在出现，它结合了电子书阅读器（如Kindle）和移动浏览器（如iPhone或iPod Touch）的功能。这些设备比笔记本电脑功能更有限，但屏幕更大，功能也比手机更强大。阿巴拉契亚州立大学正在开发软件工具和教育框架，以克服这些设备的许多局限性，同时利用它们的移动性来增强课堂内外的学习体验。支持平板电脑和双屏操作模式的软件正在开发中。用于克服电子书/浏览器设备功能限制的网络服务也在开发中。基于电子书/浏览器设备的微实验（短期课堂实验作业）旨在让学生在课堂上积极学习。这些工具将在阿巴拉契亚州立大学（Appalachian State University）和威尔克斯社区学院（Wilkes Community College）两所大学的四名教师教授的计算机科学和数学课程中进行测试。这些软件工具和教育材料的有效性将由各种各样的学生来评估。还将举办讲习班，培训其他机构的教员了解这些设备的功能。软件工具和教育材料将在一个可访问互联网的存储库中提供。

A new generation of mobile devices is emerging that combines the functionality of an eBook reader, like the Kindle, and a mobile browser, like the iPhone or iPod Touch. These devices are more limited than laptop computers but have larger screens and are more functional than mobile phones. Appalachian State University is developing software tools and educational frameworks to overcome many of the limitations of these devices while taking advantage of their mobility in order to enhance learning experiences in and out of the classroom. Software to enable tablet and dual screen modes of operation is under development. Web services, used to overcome limitations in the functionality of the eBook/Browser devices, are also under development. Micro labs (short in-class lab assignments) based on the eBook/Browser devices are being designed to engage students in active learning during lecture. These tools will be tested in both computer science and mathematics courses taught by four instructors at two institutions: Appalachian State University and Wilkes Community College. The effectiveness of these software tools and educational materials will be evaluated with a wide diversity of students. Workshops to train faculty at other institutions on the capabilities of these devices will be held. Software tools and educational materials will be available in an Internet-accessible repository.