I run a small tutoring company, and I specialize in math and science. During the pandemic, I began tutoring online using our 3 year old HP Pavilion touchscreen laptop. It has served me well using just my finger, and Zoom's whiteboard function. Unfortunately, my 7 year old daughter dropped it recently, and now the touchscreen is only half functional (think half the screen space for whiteboard functionality). I am getting by, but it is severely hampering my workflow, and as a result, I find myself feeling very nervous with my students because I am worried that the capability of my laptop is not going to hold out through the hour session. I need something else, like, now.
Years ago, I remember my dynamics professor used one of the first touchscreen 2-in-1 laptops in class, and to this day I think about the importance of functioning technology in supporting students in learning STEM subjects. I need a new laptop as soon as possible, but am overwhelmed by the options (my professor likely only had the one option since it was so new).
What are you all using? How is it supporting your teaching capabilities. I've done research on several options but am having severe trouble deciding because cost is, of course, a factor for my small business. I prefer something that can securely handle the myriad files associated with running a small business, but with a nice big sturdy touchscreen that I can easily use to draw diagrams and equations on without feeling cramped. Help! Note: I do NOT need it to run specific kinds of higher level STEM software, as that is not business my specialty.
