Handheld Computing: Pathway to Pervasive Computing? Susan Powers and Kenneth Janz Indiana State University Melissa Thomeczek Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville AECT International Convention Thursday, October 21, 2004 Chicago, Illinois 8:30:00 AM-9:00:00 AM Conference 4-J - 4th Floor

Changing Nature of Technology

Shrinking Computing Size Mainframe Computers Microcomputers Notebook Computers Handheld Computers

Changing How We Communicate Sneaker Net Wired Networks Wireless Networks

Why Are These Two Trends Important?

Ubiquitous/Pervasive Computing Computer devices will be increasingly smaller, more portable and will be commonplace. These educational tools will connect wirelessly and become an integral part of the teaching and learning process.

When this transition to ubiquitous computing occurs, it is likely to take place in a relatively short period of time, rather than in a linear progression. (Bull, Garofalo, and Harris, p. 8, 2003)

Promise of Ubiquitous Computing “Tipping Point” Adoption and diffusion Modeling Technology Leadership

Building A Case

Robyler (2003) Motivation Unique Instructional Capabilities New Instructional Approaches Increased Teacher Productivity 21 st Century Skills

Robyler (2003)Cuban (2001) MotivationTransform teaching into an engaging and active process Unique Instructional Capabilities Transform teaching into an engaging and active process New Instructional Approaches Transform teaching into an engaging and active process Increased Teacher Productivity Make schools more efficient and productive 21 st Century SkillsPrepare the current generation for the future workplace

Why Handhelds?

Case for Handhelds

Handheld as a Learning Partner

Learning Environment Paradigm shift from teaching to learning (Barr & Tagg, 1995) Moving from students as knowledge consumers to knowledge producers (Pellegrino & Altman, 1997) Ubiquitous access enhances learning achievement (Brown, 2003) Instructor interest (Vahey & Crawford, 2002) Teachable moments (Soloway, Luchini, Quintana and Norris, 2002; Bell, 2002; & Dede 2002)

Tools for Handhelds Scientific Data Probes for Science Veo Photo Digital Camera GPS Systems Graphing Calculators Presenter-To-Go

Hands-on Learning Experiences

Creating Custom WebPages for the Classroom: ISU Library on your Handheld Computer

Handhelds as a Assessment Partner

Standards-based curriculum

Technology Impact on Standards Must be: Accessible Have multiple uses Simple to use Mobile Hopefully, even fun

What makes for good assessment? Allows for instructional differentiation and increases student achievement (Brophy & Good, 1986; Cotton 2000; Darling- Hammond, 2000) Feedback for instructional strategies (Berliner & Rosenshine, 1977; Brophy & Good, 1986; Johnson, 1997; Rosenshine & Stevens, 1986)

Technology’s Role in Assessment Tool to resolve testing expectations (Education Week, 2003) Quick and Reliable data analysis Immediate Access to data and results by teachers For all of this to be helpful computing must by ubiquitous.

A Model for Handheld Integration

Competing Pressures Candidates Prepared to Use Technology Technology Driven Curriculum Standards Accreditation Implementation Process That is Dynamic and Accommodating

Window to the Core Activities of Instruction.

Case Studies

Two Teachers Introduced to handhelds in writer’s workshop. Both high school, language arts teachers. Over 20 years of teaching each. Not early adopters.

Teacher One Cross-country coach Saw potential for writing on the road Note-taking device Access, access, access Assessment of students Data entry for coaching responsibilities

Teacher Two Writing poetry Access Classroom activities Peer-to-peer mouse cat in play flower outside catastrophe

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