Writing the Stuff: Graphics Tablets, Tablet PC's, and Tablets as Feedback Tools

In the past several years a number of older technologies have become more readily available and easier to use as feedback tools. Graphics tablets and tablet PC's allow for more flexible feedback in student writing by allowing instructors to write directly on student work in Word 2007 or later. The price and complexity of graphics tablet systems have declined in recent years making them readily available for professors with minimal budget impact. While still expensive the tablet PC offers flexibility in grading not offered by graphics tablets or pure tablets such as the iPad. This paper offers a comparison of these technologies, their relative strengths and weaknesses, and costs. The use of these technologies provides greater flexibility in providing student feedback and can improve the quality of the student experience in fully online and hybrid courses.