1. Handheld Computers

2. Project Origin • Technology Grant in Conjunction with SpEd Pilot Project Grant was written by Beth Bury, Wilson 3rd grade teacher • 2002 TTL Summer Academy Technology stipend • TIE Office: Handheld Workshops October, November, December

3. What Are Handheld Computers? • Handheld computers are computers that fit into the palm of your hand. Brand names you may have heard of include: Palms, IPacs, Visors, and Pocket PCs (Sharp, Lenox, Toshiba). • A handheld computer can do almost anything a desktop computer can do and more…

4. Why use Handheld Computers in Schools? • They are portable. • They are relatively inexpensive (ranging from $100.00 - $600.00) Digital equality for all (means that all students will have access to information and communications technologies so they can prepare for living and working in the modern world.) • They are versatile.

5. Student Use of Handhelds • Students can write or input text (word processing), draw, animate, present, create concept maps, charts, and graphs, attach probes to measure environmental factors, take digital photographs of projects, and even capture text and graphics from the Web. • It is also a great tool to help students get organized. They can manage assignments, timelines, projects, and their grades. Students can use handheld computers to take notes in class (or record lectures to translate into text at a later date.)

6. Teacher Use of Handhelds • Handheld computers can be an awesome management tool. • In addition to using it as a date/appointment keeper, a handheld computer has the potential to: • Beam individualized assignments or tests, keep track of individual student data, keep track of grades, attendance, etc.

7. Wilson Elementary Pilot Project: 2002-03 • 101 Great Educational Uses for Your Handheld Computer • Tip of the Iceberg

8. Teaching and Learning Applications • Conduct group writing activities • Take individualized quizzes and tests • Beam results instantly • Take and store digital photos (for reports, projects, etc) • Draw a picture • Make a concept map • Read an eBook • Take notes in class • Organize assignments • Use as a word processor

9. Communication and Collaboration • Make a presentation (staff meetings) • Exchange information with a colleague • Transfer a file from your PC for instant access (Word Documents, Spread Sheets, IEPs?)

10. Administrative Applications • Take notes in classes; beam notes to an infrared printer (students absent, unable to keep up with classroom teacher) • Record grades

11. Examples to Share • Memo Pad: Class notes from 5th Grade Math • Note Pad: Illustrations in Math • Writing a Report • eBook • Quizzler • Take a Quiz – Beam Score • Beam to a Printer • Show Digital Camera • Show Digital Photos Back to Miss Larsen's Website