(Washington, D.C.)- Despite the many advantages of computer-aided instruction, standard notebook computers are restricted by their keyboard and mouse inputs. Not so with tablet PCs. "Tablet PCs in K-12 Education," a new release from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE(r)), explains that by using the tablet PC--basically a notebook computer with an interactive screen--teachers and students can write, draw and sketch directly onto any computer document in real time, and at a fraction of the cost of hard copy documents.

"Tablet PCs in K-12 Education" is a practical guide for educators who would like to use tablet PCs to instruct, communicate and collaborate in the classroom. According to the book's contributors, teachers can transmit lessons to student computers for their annotation. Students can respond in their own hand. A math teacher can show how a function changes over time. A Japanese language teacher can demonstrate the sequence of strokes to draw a character. Students can go home after school, go online, and review both the math and Japanese lessons as they happened.

"Tablet PCs in K-12 Education," introduces tablet PCs as a:

* powerful and portable computing device

* note-taking, sketching, writing and collaborative learning tool

* presentation tool that far surpasses any other existing platform

* personal productivity tool for both educators and students.

Educators will find classroom examples and case studies, advice for implementing tablet PCs in classrooms and lesson plans designed specifically for tablet PC instruction. The book is edited by Michael van Mantgem with contributions from Dave Berque, Edward J. Evans, Tracy Hammond, Kenrick Mock, Mark Payton and David S. Sweeney.

"Tablet PCs in K-12 Education," is available online for $22.35 for ISTE members and $31.95 for nonmembers. More information about the book, including the table of contents and chapter excerpts, is available at http://www.iste.org/bookstore. The book is appropriate for K-12 teachers, technology coordinators, library media specialists, instructional leaders, pre-service education students and faculty.

About the Editor and Contributors

Michael van Mantgem has been writing and editing books about using technology since 1994. He earned his English/Language Arts teaching certification from the University of Iowa. Dave Berque is a professor of computer science at DePauw University. Edward J. Evans is the interim executive director of IT teaching and learning technologies at Purdue University. Tracy Hammond is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at Texas A&M University. Kenrick Mock is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Alaska at Anchorage. Mark Payton is the director of information resources and technology at Vermont Academy. David S. Sweeney is the director for information technology in the Division of Student Affairs at Texas A&M University.

About ISTE

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy and leadership for innovation. ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education.

Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide. We support our members with information, networking opportunities and guidance as they face the challenge of transforming education.

Visit www.iste.org to learn more about ISTE and its new initiatives -- including the next generation of NETS for Students, Teachers and Administrators.

ISTE is the registered trademark of International Society for Technology in Education.