Math Pad Mock-up

The "Math Pad", is a diskless, wireless workstation designed for use in an educational setting. Configurable at the server level, the Math Pad would use low cost wireless lan technology and public domain networking software to meet the needs of math students and educators at the secondary and lower tertiary levels. The Math Pad would function as a terminal that provides students with a set of resources that can be defined by the instructor according to the student's requirements or, in the case, of an exam, the assessment objectives.

The Math Pad would hold a number of advantages over graphing calculators. Among them, better display capabilities and the ability to offer a level playing field by ensuring that all students have the same resources at their disposal. As well, they would be less prone to theft as they could be configured to be useless when not connected to the school's server. In summary, the advantages that Math Pads would provide include:

high quality display
wide choice of applications
control over applications at students' disposal
ability to facilitate network-based learning activities
low cost
low risk of theft

Math Pad mock-up by Galen Elfert

The wedge shape was conceived for ease of storage and ease of incorporation into student desks, if so desired. In practice, the pad would probably need to allow for some angle adjustment on the screen and keyboard to be useful. Worth noting, with respect to pad style devices, is the effort of a U.S. firm to commercialize linux-based pads with handwriting recognition: ProGear 1050HX+

These are much more sophisticated devices than the Math Pad but unfortunately, at $2100.00 U.S., it will be a long time before they are within reach of the educational market.