An Initial Evaluation of Tablet Devices & What Are the Next Steps?

This paper describes an evaluation of tablet devices for a Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS). The purpose of this evaluation is to assess what type of tablet device could meet the needs of a GEMS student. GEMS requirements for the evaluation include; using the tablet device to replace paper teaching resources in lectures and tutorials and students must be able to edit the electronic resources in class. The tablet device is also considered for its suitability on clinical placements in third and fourth years, where students need a tablet device that allows them to take notes and access GEMS resources. The study evaluates four leading tablet devices; Apple iPad Air & iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and Microsoft Surface Pro 3. The methodology section will cover the assessment criteria used to compare tablet devices from the student, technical and GEMS management perspective. A questionnaire was also developed to gather feedback from students at the end of their time with each tablet device. Time constraints and tablet device availability meant that testing was carried out with a small number of medical students. The iPad Mini was chosen by GEMS as the overriding opinion was to go with the interface and device size most favored by the student participants in the evaluation. The author concludes with three standout challenges to consider; changing perceptions, network infrastructure and training and support. [For the full proceedings, see ED571335.]