LightLink iPad Project
In an effort to enhance mathematics instruction in both the traditional classroom and the distance-learning environment, we have developed an iPad application that allows for true collaboration among students and faculty. A shared whiteboard, the ability to create free-hand drawings, the insertion of text and images, and the use of multiple pages are just a few of the features that provide a means for students and faculty to work collectively in the classroom. This same application also makes it possible to offer nontraditional support through avenues such as virtual office hours and virtual tutoring.
Although shared whiteboard apps for iPad exist, they fail to provide adequate support or a sufficiently large workspace often required for more complex math problems. Our initial goal is to expand and simplify features that will aid mathematics instruction.
Features
The app currently supports the following features:
- Drawing lines
- Typing text
- Drawing shapes
- Enabling a grid to guide drawing
- Erasing previous content
- Scrolling the screen (with gestures)
- Creating multiple pages
- Connecting iPads wirelessly
- Using a background image
- Undoing previous commands
- Virtual rooms managed by a server
Classroom Collaboration
In a traditional classroom, the app can be used in several ways:
- The entire class can connect to the teacher and collaborate as a whole.
- Individuals or small groups can work separately. The instructor can then connect to each group as needed in order to provide guidance.
- Individual or group progress can be evaluated by the teacher thus providing real-time formative assessment.
- The instructor's iPad can be connected to a projector in order to display his or her work as well as student work.
Virtual Tutoring
The app can be used for tutoring from a distance with a single student or a small group. Although audio communication features are planned for a future release, the current tutoring approach uses phone, Skype, or some other third party communication system.
Development
I designed the LightLink app in collaboration with my Elizabethtown colleagues Dr. Steve Soltys and Dr. Gabriela Sanchis. Under my supervision, students Tony Bianco and Taylor Ryan developed the app. They were paid with funding from an Elizabethtown CISP Grant which was also used to purchase a classroom set of iPads and a charging cart.
These iPads and the LightLink app have been used in the field by Math Education majors. The app is at a stable beta release for the iPad platform. Unfortunately, because of academic licensing issues, it is not available on the Apple App Store. A Google Android port of LightLink is in an early alpha stage.
