Best pen tablet for online teaching 2024

Digital pen tablets have quickly become essential devices in today's classroom environments, revolutionizing how teachers present their ideas, annotate content, and facilitate interactivity. Let's see how the pen tablet for teaching deliver a New "Digital Canvas" for higher education graphic arts programs.

What a pen tablet is?

A pen tablet, also known as a pen tab or writing pad, is a device that allows users to draw, write, and interact with a computer using a stylus or digital pen. It functions as a digital canvas, enabling teachers to seamlessly illustrate concepts, solve problems, and provide real-time demonstrations to their students.

Why Pen Tablet is becoming increasingly important in classroom

With more universities and colleges adopting new teaching models, including hybrid and remote, the challenge for educators is finding innovative ways to deliver engaging and immersive educational experiences. In the rapidly evolving education landscape, effective teaching tools are now more critical than ever for fostering creativity and collaboration, as well as preparing students for their digital media careers.

Having access to these professional-grade products enables the students and faculty to engage in a more dynamic and fulfilling educational experience — and also helps with students' coursework and gives students a preview of the technologies they’ll start using when they begin their professional careers? Often, the skills learned in the classroom directly translate to employer expectations and technology applications they will encounter throughout their careers.

Students are using these devices to explore new depths of their creativity, develop 3D models, or create rough sketches for digital sculpting, texturing, compositing, and other areas of the production process. Through the ongoing development of third-party plug-ins, many tablets can work seamlessly with the most commonly used professional graphics software packages. Additionally, the hand-drawn nature of tablet technology can help students develop a stronger, more personal connection to their art.

How Do Pen Tablets Enhance Teaching?

The best pen tablets for teaching – for an in-person classroom setting or for online teaching -- combine a range of features, including pressure sensitivity, customizable buttons, and wireless connectivity:

Enhanced Interactivity:

Pen tablets facilitate real-time interaction and engagement with students. Educators can annotate course materials, create diagrams, and solve problems directly on the tablet's surface. Students can visualize the instructor's thought process and problem-solving techniques, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter, especially useful for more complex concepts.

Seamless Presentation:

With a pen tablet, teachers can create dynamic and engaging presentations by writing and drawing directly on the tablet. This eliminates the need for physical whiteboards or paper, enabling a smoother and uninterrupted flow of information.

Presentation Control:

Teachers can have greater control over their projected presentation – to a flat screen or digital whiteboard – from the tablet, and wireless functionality allows them to wander around the room while lecturing. In traditional classrooms, it is common for the teacher’s back to be facing the students while writing, not conducive to an interactive or personal experience. Additionally, many modern teaching software applications (Pear Deck, for example) allow teachers to confidentially have access to individual student computers, creating a "safe" environment for communication and collaboration.

Versatility and Flexibility:

Pen tablets provide educators with precise control over their digital writing and drawing, making it easier to create detailed diagrams and illustrations. Tablets can easily integrate with popular teaching software and online platforms, enhancing their versatility and adaptability to various teaching methods and subjects.

The Best Pen Tablet for Teaching - Xencelabs Pen Tablet

When evaluating the best pen tablet for teaching, Xencelabs Pen Tablets stand out for their mix of advanced features and intuitive design.

Xencelabs Pen Tablet offers many basic functions essential for effectively enhancing the educational experience in the digital classroom. With its precise pen control and ability to recreate a natural writing experience, educators can effortlessly create annotations, diagrams, and illustrations. The Tablet's customizable buttons and user-friendly interface ensure a seamless and efficient workflow, enabling teachers to focus on delivering high-quality content to their students.

Size and ergonomics are also key considerations when selecting a pen tablet. Xencelabs Pen Tablet is available in varied sizes, including medium size, offering a comfortable drawing area without taking up excessive desk space. Its ergonomic design ensures a natural and comfortable grip, reducing fatigue during prolonged teaching sessions.

A compact tablet, like the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, can also be useful in online teaching applications, making it easier for teachers to draw or explain concepts through a webcam.

Pressure sensitivity is a crucial feature for online teaching. Xencelabs Pen Tablet boasts exceptional pressure sensitivity levels, enabling educators to create varying line thickness, shading, and opacity to easily enhance the visual impact of teaching materials.

How to use a digital pen tablet for online teaching

If you're new to using a digital pen tablet for online teaching, here are some essential tips to help you make the most of this powerful tool.

Familiarize Yourself with the Features:

Take some time to explore the features of your pen tablet. Get acquainted with the pen pressure sensitivity, customizable buttons, and any additional functions. Understanding these features will allow you to make full use of the Tablet's capabilities.

Streamline Grading:

Use your pen tablet for efficient and accurate grading. You can annotate and provide feedback directly on students' assignments or assessments with a digital pen. This eliminates the need for printing, scanning, or manual corrections, saving you time and effort while maintaining a clear and legible feedback process.

Practice and Experiment:

To maximize your proficiency with the digital pen tablet, practice regularly. Experiment with different drawing techniques, pen pressure levels, and brush settings to find your preferred style. The more you practice, the more comfortable and natural your digital writing and drawing skills will become.

Additional trick: How to maintain your digital writing tablet

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your digital pen tablet, it's important to implement proper maintenance practices:

Clean the Tablet Surface:

Regularly clean the tablet surface using a soft, lint-free cloth. This removes any fingerprints, smudges, or dust particles that may interfere with the pen's accuracy and responsiveness. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents or abrasive materials that could damage the surface.

Protect the Tablet:

Invest in a protective case or cover for your pen tablet. This safeguards it from accidental bumps, scratches, and dust when not in use or during transportation. The ideal option for the best fit and protection is to buy a case specifically designed for your tablet model.

Store the Pen Properly:

When not in use, store the pen safely and securely. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, which can damage the pen's components and affect its performance.

Update Drivers and Firmware:

Regularly check for driver and firmware updates provided by the tablet’s manufacturer. These updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Keeping your tablet's software updated ensures the best compatibility and functionality.

Xencelabs provides all the tools and resources you need to properly maintain and protect your tablet. Plus, the two-year warranty included with the tablet is an added benefit of choosing these market-leading technologies.

Conclusion

The classroom is becoming more interactive, so don't miss the advantages of digital pen tablets for teaching. Empower yourself as an educator by incorporating these powerful tools into your teaching arsenal.

If you want to experience the best pen tab for online teaching, purchase the Xencelabs Pen Tablet and explore the possibilities it offers. It has something for everyone, and you will surely find something that matches your needs and suits your requirements. And if you’re looking for an advanced experience, consider the Xencelabs Pen Display 24, especially for comprehensive drawing courses.

Elevate your teaching with a pen tablet and unlock a world of interactive and engaging educational experiences for your students.