Handheld Computers and Laptops (Personal Data Assistants and Probes)
Already data from field explorations on earth or from space has been transmitted back to schools via satellite or laptop computers...
Links
computers in science classrooms.
http://adt.curtin.edu.au/theses/available/adt-WCU20030120.111233/
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume_31_2003_2004_/December_January1/December-Janu
ary_2003-2004.htm
Bob Tinker, founder of the Concord Consortium, has pioneered the use of remote sensing devices, linked to computers, and hands-on physics experiments. (Activities for both these approaches are available from Concord as well as TERC, where Bob prototyped these projects.). Now he and his colleagues have turned their attention to the use of handheld computers to which sensors could be attached for real-time investigation and data collection. In keeping with other new technology dialog among participants will be encouraged too. The goal of one laptop to one student will produce ubiquitous computing. Will the cost be justified?
The convergence of these powerful technologies will allow students to become authentic scientists and collaborate with their peers and established scientists.This work is a wonderful exemplar of the judicious use of technology as a tool to promote motivation and understanding by synergizing real and virtual worlds, heretofore the province of universities.
The Concord Consortium is designing a virtual high school in parallel with these other projects. Your students may be able to collaborate directly in these studies online or replicate the experience in your district.
A set of policy, curriculum integration and surveys about the effectiveness of "handheld" or portable computers in schools has been developed at a high school in the state of Victoria in Australia. See also, an evaluation of a laptop program from Curtin University of Technology in Perth. A solid time-saver for you to share with colleagues and policy-makers.
The National Science Teachers Association has developed some solid curriculum to take advantage of laptop capabilities.
The major tool, in tandem with such software, is a probe sensor. For instance, different sensors are available to collect data, such as temperature, pH, pressure, voltage, dissolved oxygen and with just another click the data is transmitted to a computer for data graphing and manipulation. Imagine exchanging such data with students around the globe. Two such products are the Xplorer and ImagiProbe by PASCO.
Electric Pocket improves note-taking and sketching on a handheld device. It has full-color support, too.
Jennifer Roland in the ISTE L&L Dec/Jan 2003-04 distinguishes the features of two models for using PDA's, a lab approach and one tool for each student. The lab model imparts the concept that such a device is like any other learning tool. When used in pairs, the handheld became a natural tool even when alternatives were available.The lab assistants can ensure that the tools are in top form for coming tasks. The onetoone allows schools to cultivate a learner-centered curriculum such as Web resources not available in the classroom under the control of the teacher. When a perceived need to a handheld is strong, students take responsibility for its functioning well. The ever-present side effect means that learning can occur anytimeanyplce and helps bridge the Digital Divide. This librarian suggests that BOTH MODELS can be used as appropriate.
For a case study with "typical" students in a "typical" school look at the Maine learning site.
The staff in Project WHIRL (Wireless Handhelds for Improving Reflection on Learning), a partnership between SRI and Beaufort County School District in South Carolina, selected software for these devices because they reflected critical needs of students and schools (assessments)--not just increasing access to technology. Moreover, they selected uses that match the capabilities and limitations of handhelds. They also recommend joining with a diverse array of partners--technology leaders, curriculum leaders, and product vendors. Handhelds should be embedded in the classroom context for professional development. They used data from early users to decide how to evaluate success.
At Harvard researchers have synthesized the capacities of hand-held computers and podcasts to enhance the interactivity between students and experts on field trips. Lessons can be customized both for particular classrooms and students.
See Also
Annotation
During this century, currently unimaginable technologies may emerge to advance learning. Like Bob Tinker, it is our job to keep a lookout for applications of the technology to learning rather than wizardry.
