Tablet PC Tip #2: MS Journal - Better than PowerPoint?

[SedeDeSaber]

I use Windows 7 Home Basic and it does not come with Windows Journal (only available for Home Premium or higher). The absence of this program is more an unfortunate decision of MS (since it is a simple program and with educational potential), and the next time that I go buy a computer and decide for an operating system, I will take this fact into account. OneNote does not please me and I can not even buy Windows Journal (despite having paid for the Windows 7 home basic).

[jgvanides]

@SedeDeSaber Thanks for the "heads up" about W7 Home Basic and its lack of Journal!

[jgvanides]

PnutbutterNHelen: I suppose getting "used" to a tablet pc depends on what your'e trying to do with it. I've heard that very young children actually find it easier to draw with a pen than to type. On the other hand, if you're trying to do a LOT of writing, I find that typing is faster. But for sketching, a tablet pc is MUCH better than a companion USB-connected pad, because you can "directly manipulate" what you see on the screen. I love it for detailed Photoshop work, for example!

- Jim

[PnutbutterNHelen]

did it take some time to get used to the tablet? my teacher uses a tablet and she lets us answer questions, and it was pretty hard to write something.

[alkmie]

Dont know why its not posting 3rd try

alt-tab and other keyboard commands with gestures

google "alt tab for tablet pcs" first blog page

[alfdotcom]

Is there a way you can make the pen/pencil icon show while you write? If not is there any software that has that feature?

[MissSAlexander]

thank you for these! you're awesome! i will definitely use this in my lessons now!

[394451]

can i do the same thing with external tablet like wacom ?

[jgvanides]

Yes, an external Wacom tablet would work. In fact, you can draw in MS Journal using a mouse, if you want. It's just a whole lot easier to have the "Direct Manipulation" advantage of a digitizing screen. In addition, a tablet can be easily folded over and carried, while you annotate - which is tough to do with an external device.

[394451]

What kind of tablet PC do you have or do you recommend? Thanks -

[jgvanides]

Well, first let me say, in the spirit of full disclosure, that I work for HP. That said, there are two tablet pcs to consider - one is a "consumer" tablet pc, the Touchsmart tx2z - the other one is lighter weight, but more expensive, 'enterprise" grade tablet pc like the Elitebook 2730p (I use an older 2710p and I *love* the extended battery that gives me 7-10 hours of run time!).

[394451]

txks

[394451]

one more question - Did you download a screen capturing software to capture this video ? or that program comes with the tablet?

[jgvanides]

This particular video was recorded using Camtasia software from Techsmith. There are some other screen capture programs, some of which are free webservices, but Camtasia is my favorite.

[394451]

Ok thanks

[DoubleDS9]

thanks for sharing your info :)

[jodoog]

Fantastic videos, thankyou.

[RobbieNohra]

Can this program be used on the HP TX2000? If so where can I download this program?

[jgvanides]

MS Journal is provided for free as part of the Windows Vista Operating System. If you're running Vista (or Windows XP Tablet PC edition), then you should have it already! jv

[frommypocket]

Fantastic demonstration! I'm looking forward to using my tablet in class. Instead of writing on a whiteboard with my back to the students, I can see how I'll be able to do it from the tablet. Thanks for sharing!

[jgvanides]

quillaja, Thanks for your comment! These are great questions that you bring up. Teachers I've seen who are using Journal are "pre populating" the pages with images - sometimes even images of their slides they created in power point. This way they get the advantages of PowerPoint, but the flexibility of inserting or adding pages, adding text that is moveable during class discussion, etc. However, if all you are doing is "delivering presentations", then sure - keep on using PowerPoint.

[quillaja]

I can see how this is better than PowerPoint if you are making presentations "on the fly," but I would think teachers would have their presentations created in advance. Teaches not using pre-made slides tend to use the chalkboard don't they? And PP has better options for allowing students to print and take notes on the slides, right? I'm just not seeing the advantage of J over PP for delivering presentations, other than as a tech chalkboard substitute.

[iloveanime4]

I want a Tablet PC!! D: