Handheld Devices in the Classroom

1. Handheld Devices in the Classroom Kelli Hunter Alisha Keller Sarah Bartman

2. What is a Handheld? • Handhelds -- also called handheld computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs) -- are small enough to hold in one hand and lightweight enough to carry in a pocket, purse, or briefcase. Several well-known companies, including Palm, Handspring, Sony, Casio, and Hewlett-Packard, manufacture the devices, originally designed to help businesspeople keep track of their contacts and appointments. Educators are beginning to see that the handy little gadgets can benefit students too, and handhelds are turning up in backpacks as well as briefcases. • PDAs provide the one-to-one ratio -- one student to one electronicdevice -- that is necessary for true technological innovation in education, Walery says. School computer labs, even laptop computers, offer students only limited access. "By using handhelds, we can get technology to the point of learning, such as on the bus or on the athletic field.“ www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech083.shtml

3. Why are Handhelds Useful? • Instructional Tool -concepts, inquiry based learning • Organizational Tool- no lost papers • Motivation-motivates learning • Convenience- can be used at home/at school, etc. • Communication-easy for parents/teachers to correspond and look at work • Technology Standards-“No Child Left Behind” • Simplicity- easy to use: allows teachers to spend time on content rather than software skills www.willard.k12.mo.us/co/handheld/research.htm

4. Research Study Results • SRI International's Center for Technology in Learning, a nonprofit research group, completed one of the first studies of handhelds in K-12 classrooms. The researchers surveyed more than 100 teachers who had received handhelds through Palm's Education Pioneers Program. The teachers taught at all grade levels and in all subject areas, including science, special education, physical education, language, math, and social studies. The results of the study, released in September 2002, were: • 93 percent of teachers believed the devices can have a positive impact on students' learning. • 72 percent said handhelds were easier to integrate into classroom activities than desktop computers. • 75 percent of teachers who let students take Palms home reported an increase in homework completion. • 89 percent of teachers said handhelds are an effective instructionaltool. www.willard.k12.mo.us/co/handheld/research.htm

5. What are the KINKS of Handhelds? • Theft and Responsibility -where are they kept? Should students be able to take them home? • Maintenance-Dropping/Breaking the device • Digital Divide -may not be equitable for all school districts • Support-lack of tech support in the school and at home www.techlearning.com/db_area/archives/TL/2002/02/handheld4.html

6. www.stormlabs.com/Handhelds www.shopper.cnet.com/Handhelds/2001-3127_9-0.html www.amazon.com www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,4134,00.asp Where can I find a Handheld to purchase?

7. How much does a Handheld costand is there funding? • Available $150 (Used)- to $1500 and up • Funding can sometimes be difficult • Districts can get funds by showing how technology addresses NCLB mandates • More specific the proposal, more likely going to get the money • Prove that you need the devices to meet the state standards, improving instruction, and improving on integrating technology www.palm.com/us/pdfs/handheld_ed/handheld_ed_funding.pdf

8. Handhelds • We believe that there are some drawbacks with using handhelds in the classroom, the benefits far out weigh the kinks. • The Handheld devices lead students in the right direction and make every classroom technology savvy.