From the chalkboard to the overhead projector: the transition has been gradual but today we find that it is almost complete. There was a great deal of apprehension initially as to whether the overhead projector would be as good a writing tool in lectures as the chalkboard. After all, what would happen if the projector bulb blew? And this did happen periodically. Over time, however, the advantages of the overhead projector sank in. It is brighter and able to project onto a larger screen, making it possible for a large audience to view what is written much more clearly. The obviation of chalk dust, of course, is an added incentive.

Today, all NUS lecture theatres are equipped with LCD projectors. We are now also experimenting with using computers and popular presentation software like PowerPoint. But when it comes to writing something down, we naturally flip a sheet of transparency on the overhead projector and scribble away. The reason is obvious: few of us have the dexterity and patience to manoeuvre a chunky mouse in order to draw and write.

Then the e-pad was launched this year with much publicity as a Singaporean product that will be a great tool for artists and kids to write on. Being adventurous, I bought one to see if I could use it in lectures in lieu of transparencies.

Setting up the pad was very easy. All I had to do was to plug it into a serial port and run the set-up software from a CD. It was done within a minute. To my pleasant surprise, writing was a breeze and it was fun. The greatest joy I experienced was being able to view what I wrote on a computer monitor instead of the overhead projector that is usually far too bright. (Being a researcher in the field of optics, I think it is useful to mention that if you look at something bright and continue to see bright spots after you have looked away, it generally means that some form of damage to the retina has resulted over a reasonable period of time). Of course, I can view the transparency through a filter or turn around to look at the screen. The former gets in my way; the latter prevents me from having eye contact with my students and perhaps even causes neck strain.

By now, I am sure that you can guess what my verdict is. Getting the e-pad will set you back about $170. I bought mine at a promotional price of $105 when it was first advertised. I enclose a sample page of my lecture scribblings (poor handwriting notwithstanding) as testament of the e-pad’s usefulness.