Using the XP-Pen Tablet in Your Classroom

The second monitor in some of your classrooms has been replaced with an XP-Pen. The XP-Pen is essentially a touch screen second monitor, but unlike traditional touch screens, it works only with the provided pen (your finger won’t work). Here's how you can use it effectively with common software tools and a few tips to enhance your teaching experience.

Using the XP-Pen with Common Software

1. Microsoft Word

• Annotate Documents:
  • Open your Word document and switch to the Draw tab.
  • Select a pen or highlighter tool and start writing directly on the document using the XP-Pen.

2. Microsoft PowerPoint

Annotate Slides During a Presentation:

• Start the slideshow, and right-click on the screen to open the context menu.
• Choose Pointer Options > Pen to begin writing or highlighting on your slides. 

• Edit Slides Directly:
  • In Edit Mode, use the XP-Pen to draw diagrams, add text boxes, or create shapes by clicking the Draw tab and selecting a drawing tool. 

3. Teams

If you plan to record your lesson, please note that Teams annotations will not appear in the recording. We recommend annotating directly in Word or PowerPoint while recording through Teams.

• Annotate During Screen Sharing:
  • Share your screen or a specific window in Teams. 
  • Once sharing, select Pen, Highlighter, or Laser Pointer from the in-meeting toolbar (these appear when you move your cursor to the top of the screen). 
  • Draw, circle, highlight, or emphasize content.
  • Note: Annotation tools are only available while screen sharing, not while viewing shared content from others.
• Use Microsoft Whiteboard in Teams:
  • Click Share, then select Microsoft Whiteboard during your meeting. 
  • Select who can share and click Present Whiteboard. 
  • Use the XP-Pen to write, sketch diagrams, or map out ideas in real time. 
  • Note: Whiteboard content saves automatically and can be accessed later from you OneDrive.
• Mark Up PowerPoints in Teams (PowerPoint Live):
  • If you present using PowerPoint Live, you can use the in-app Ink tools to draw on your slides. 
  • Click the ink icon (Pen/Highlighter) below the slide and annotate using the XP-Pen. 
• • Note: These annotations disappear after the slide advances, perfect for temporary explanations.

Tips and Tricks for Using the XP-Pen

1. Positioning:
   • Place the XP-Pen at a comfortable angle to write naturally, as you would on paper.
2. Calibrate for Accuracy:
   • If the pen feels misaligned, check the calibration in the XP-Pen settings to ensure precise input. Click here for instructions on how to calibrate an XP-Pen.
3. Writing Best Practices:
   • Clear annotations periodically to keep the screen uncluttered.
   • Use different colors for different concepts to keep the session engaging.
4. Save Your Work:
   • Always save annotated files or whiteboards to provide students with resources after class.