INFORMED CONSENT FORM FOR PARTICIPATION IN
TABLET PC USABILITY EXPERIEMENT
INFORMED CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN TABLET PC USABILITY STUDY
An experiment on tablet pc usability as a teaching aid is being conducted by Devin Sabo,
Ansel Sermersheim, and Tyler Vodak in the Department of Computer Science at Cal Poly, San
Luis Obispo. The purpose of the study is to collect data on the usability of the tablet pc as a
teaching aid for college professors. The purpose also includes completing the requirements for
assignment three assigned by Professor Franz Kurfess for CPE 484 section three.
You are being asked to take part in this study by giving a mock lecture of a math lesson
using a computer projector and a tablet pc. You will be required to follow a prepared script
outlining several tasks that must be completed while giving your mock lecture. During your
lecture, the researchers will be recording observations on how you complete each of the tasks
detailed in the script. When you are finished, you will be asked to complete a survey with
questions asking how difficult you thought it was to use the tablet pc. Your participation will
take approximately five minutes. Please be aware that you are not required to participate in this
experiment and you may discontinue your participation at any time without penalty. When
answering the questions on the survey, you may omit any items you prefer not to answer.
The possible risks associated with participation in this experiment include developing a
sore arm from holding the tablet pc, a cramped hand from holding the stylus, or feeling the
bottom of the tablet pc get warm. If you should experience muscle strain in your arm or any
discomfort in your hands, please be aware that you may contact the Health Center at (805) 7561211 located in Building No. 27 next to the Rec Sports building for assistance.
Your confidentiality will be protected by not requesting any personal data that could
identify you to a particular instance of data. In other words, the researchers will not ask for any
personal information that could separate you and your data from the rest of the participants. We
also request you do not state any personal information about yourself or write any of your
personal information on the mock lecture slides or the survey. Your responses will be provided
anonymously to protect your privacy. Potential benefits associated with this study include
determining the usability of the tablet pc as a teaching aid and helping the researchers of this
experiment receive a good grade on assignment 3 for CPE 484.
If you have questions regarding this experiment or would like to be informed of the
results when the experiment is completed, please feel free to contact Devin Sabo, Ansel
Sermersheim, or Tyler Vodak at kodavx86@gmail.com. If you have questions or concerns
regarding the manner in which the study is conducted, you may contact Steve Davis, Chair of the
Cal Poly Human Subjects Committee, at 756-2754, or Susan Opava, Dean of Research and
Graduate Programs, at 756-1508.
If you agree to voluntarily participate in this research project as described, please indicate
your agreement by signing below
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