Scott D. Parrott

Engaging Students Using Digital Learning Objects

Students majoring in agriculture at the University of Tennessee at Martin have math requirements ranging from algebra to calculus; therefore developed skills in problem solving vary across concentrations. The Livescribe™ Smartpen uses microcomputer technology to digitize handwriting, while simultaneously capturing the instructors voice in a familiar “pen and paper” format; therefore adoption skills are minimal. Handwritten mathematical solutions combined with the instructor’s voice (explaining each phase of the problem progression) form a Digital Learning Object (DLO) that can be easily accessed by students via the Internet. The technology impacts both visual and auditory learners. To measure the Smartpen’s effectiveness, two sections of an introductory agricultural engineering technology course were compared. Class A (n = 28) used traditional teaching methods, while Class B (n = 30) incorporated the DLO’s created with the Smartpen. Class A had an average exam score of 77.2/100, while Class B’s average was 75.5/100. Individual test scores between the two classes were not significantly different (a = 0.05), however students had a very positive perception of the DLOs. Students accessed the DLOs while completing homework (~79%) and studying for exams (~62%). Students overwhelmingly found the DLOs “helpful” or “somewhat helpful” (~96%).