E-Chalk is a system to record live lectures and transmit them over the Internet. The lecturer writes directly on a large touch sensitive surface (whiteboard or retro projection system) talking directly to the class. Three streams are transmitted over the Internet: audio, video, and board contents. The system is completely written in Java, therefore the potential audience needs only an Internet browser for receiving the three streams. It is possible to do postproduction of the lectures by erasing, rearranging, or recording new segments.

The philosophy of E-Chalk is to provide "smart" tools for enhancing the classroom experience. The lecturer can paste images on the board directly from bookmarks. He or she can also call an algebraic server to solve equations or plot functions (Mathematica from Wolfram Research). It is also possible to access web sites directly, send a textual query, and get a textual answer. It is possible, for example, to ask for a translation, a calender, or any information provided by Web sites and integrate this into the board contents on the fly . E-Chalk is intended to be controlled using handwriting recognition. A first prototype of mathematical handwriting recognition has been written.

E-Chalk can be used with a variety of hardware: touch sensitive whiteboards, large touch screens, ultrasound digitizers, PDAs and the new tablet PCs. It is also possible to use E-Chalk in combination with video conferencing systems. In the talk, I will explain what is our vision for the future and how pen based computing fits into that picture.

For more information, see http://www.e-chalk.de/