Handhelds R Ann

Last class

2005-05-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Final Blog for Class

Well, class is over and I feel a little disappointed and a little brain fried. This was an awesome experience for me. I have learned so much and am very excited to purchase a set of handhelds for my school and get the teachers and students started on the road to the 21st century.
I really enjoyed meeting with the fifth grade students last Thursday. They were fun to talk with and to ask them what they really liked about handhelds. It was interesting to see their different responses to new applications. Some were a little afraid to try them, some jumped right in, and others gave up after trying just a few times. They reminded me of our class. As we shared what we knew about the handhelds and shared applications it seemed as if we were on the same level. I heard words like cool, awesome, can I have that one?, wow, that’s neat. And those were just from the adults.
We really missed Tony. But we realized that he had to be in Washington, D.C. getting that money. I wonder if he would be willing to start his own grant program with it, hmmmmmmmmm? Maybe I could be his first grant recipient? Wishful thinking, I guess.
I have appreciated Tony’s expertise in this area and his willingness to help whenever I got stuck on something. He was very understanding of all my questions and never made me feel like a total fool. Thanks, Tony, for all your knowledge and help.

I am humbled

2005-04-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

Class 4/21/05

I am truly humbled after this week’s class. All the people in my class gave fabulous presentations of their awesome lesson plans. It makes me realize even more that there are fabulous educators in the Omaha area.
I am also really excited that we have the resource of Tony’s web site to access lesson plans that can be used with the students at my school. Often we have ideas for lessons for our students but do not have the time to research applications we can use in the lessons. All the plans on the web site can be adjusted for any level.
I will miss our Thursday night classes. Even though I am often quite tired on Thursdays, the class was always able to invigorate me and renew my energy. It will be nice to have the people from our class to talk with and get ideas from in the future.
Now my big challenge begins. Finding and writing a grant for a set of handhelds and keyboards for our school. With the help of a fourth grade teacher who wants to be involved, I am hoping we can find the money for them. I also am hoping to be able to acquire a document projecrtor to use with the handhelds. It would be wonderful to have one to use for presentations for the teachers and the students.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this class and hope that others will take advantage of this opportunity.

Time is running out

2005-04-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Class 4/14/05

Okay, I admit, I have procrastinated. I am not like those young whippersnappers in class who already have their lesson plan completed and it isn’t even due until the 21st. It seems that every idea I come up with has already been done. So, I have spent most of today trying to come up with an original thought. I think I may have gotten one, maybe, kinda, sorta.
The time we spent in class working with the books about handhelds in the classroom was great. It is nice to see that there are books out there to use in this area. It really surprised me that most of the books were published since 2003. I thought handhelds had been used in classrooms a long time. I am even more impressed with Tony and his abilities to see the future.
I enjoyed the games Tony beamed to us. The SkyChart would be great to use with the 3rd and 5th graders during their science units on planets, moon, and stars. I think BeepMaker would make me crazy if the kids used it in the classroom but I can see how it would make the students think in new ways. Geney does not appeal to me but I can see how students would really get in to it. It reminds me of Furbees that were so popular a few years ago. However, there is so much more you can do with Geney. Spring time in Nebraska is a great time for Flash Boom. It might help to allay their fears and to keep them occupied during a storm.
It was helpful to get the information on grants. I am not sure how I am going to finance a classroom set for our school, but I am determined to try. Tony’s support of all of us is especially helpful and encouraging. It is also helpful to have others in the same situation of wanting to include handhelds in their schools. It will be good to have a support group to bounce ideas off.

Super Possibilities

2005-04-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

Class 4/7/05

There is so much software out there for use with handhelds and so much of it is free. I am greatly impressed with the fact that Tony can put a wish list on his web site and people from places like Canada and Denmark will take the time to put together an application for him and others to use.
I used my handheld this week at our weekly staff meeting to take notes. I have decided that it is the best way to take notes at any meeting. I can type so much faster than I can write and it is so easy to download it to my computer and then print it off for my use later. It also helps me to concentrate on the meeting so much easier. I can see so many ways students can use this in my classroom. I am also looking forward to using handibase and sheetstogo with student projects.
Two applications that were presented to us were also fabulous. Bug Band would be great to use with students in music and Illusion 4 would be awesome to get students to use their observation skills. These skills can then be used in areas other than art.
Connecting to websites is something I am really excited about. Students often need information that cannot be found in a book at our library. It will be fabulous for a teacher to access a website such as an online database, find an article that all students need for research, and be able to fling it to each handheld.
I am also excited about the interactive stories that we learned about this week. I can see so many possibilities for use with all ages of students. Kids love stories like these with many different ending possibilities and would love to see how easy it is for them to write and us on the handhelds.
To be very honest, I was not impressed with the web discussions I read on during class. None of them were very helpful or very insightful for someone like me who has just enough information to make me dangerous. I decided that maybe I was being too picky or wanted information on too specific a situation with handhelds.
As I work more with my handheld I realize all the problems that can occur. I appreciated the list of troubleshooting ideas Tony gave us. Now I do not need to call someone every time something does not work. I have the tools I need to find the answers myself.
I was talking with a fellow teacher last week about all that a handheld can do and he looked at me and said, “I can’t believe you have become a first class techie, I never thought it would happen.” I guess he might be right because I can hardly wait to get some “geek bling” like the kind mentioned in class. What an awesome possibility to have a computer that fits on your wrist like a watch.

March 31 - class

2005-04-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

March 31, 2005
All right, I am stoked. We started class looking at some of the applications that we had downloaded last week. There were some awesome programs that can be used for many activities in the classroom. I like the fact that our class is so creative that they can look at a program and come up with activities that were not necessarily intended by the author.
Tony then introduced concept mapping opportunities on our handhelds. I was familiar with Inspiration having used it myself. PicoMap was new to me as was IdeaPad. I love the idea of students being able to work on these programs on their handhelds but I was frustrated because I could not see the entire concept map at one time. I also found that some were difficult to maneuver, making it frustrating. I really liked the ability to change the concept map into an outline. It is very important that students see the relationship between the concept map and the outline.
Making eBooks, awesome. I can see so many opportunities for teachers and students. It was amazing how easy it was to make one. As I sat there watching Tony make a book with information from his website, my mind began to race with the possibilities.
The next day I went back to school and asked a future fourth grade teacher if he was willing to become involved in using handhelds in his classroom next year. His answer was, “In a heartbeat.” When I told him about the possibilities with eBooks, he was amazed. With his help I hope to find the funds for a classroom set for the school.

March 24 class was so fun!

2005-03-28T16:41:00.000-08:00

March 24
This class was so much fun. Angles is an activity I would love to use with my 4th and 5th grade students. It would be an awesome review for students to help them practice recognizing acute and obtuse angles. It was awesome to be the first people to really try this out. It is amazing to me that someone can write a program like this in one night.
It was fun to look for the Easter eggs (hidden treasures or a feature in a program for people to find). I would so love to study the differences in brains between people who are not computer programmers to those are not. The computer programmer brain must be wired differently.
Quizzler can be used in so many ways. I loved the idea of using it for review for tests. I believe that students would be more apt to review longer if they could use the handhelds. Adding tic-tac-toe to Quizzler makes it fun for the students and adds another aspect to the review. Students not only have to learn the information for the test, but they also have to use different strategies in tic-tac-toe.
My favorite part of the class was downloading free software to use with the handhelds. I discovered so many activities that I can use with my students. Once we managed to get synced to the computers, it was easy to find freeware that elementary students can use. I was thrilled to find Checkbook to use with my students and their million dollar projects. Division, Easy Math, and Multiplication are super ways for students to practice their math. I plan on using Books Log with students to keep track of the books they read next year. It will especially work well with the Golden Sower books. I also look forward to introducing many of the applications to teachers to use for keeping track of grades and for students to keep track of assignments.
The more I learn about the possibilities of use with the handhelds, the more excited I get about introducing them in the elementary schools.

Roving Reporter March 10, 2005

2005-03-15T17:21:00.000-08:00

March 10, 2005

Class began with a review of last week’s class. Most of which was unfamiliar to this roving reporter due to the fact she had to leave early last week for a family event. This roving reporter regrets the fact she had to leave early as she realized from listening to the rest of the students how much she missed. You cannot be gone, this reporter has decided.
Listening to OneBigHead Podcast by Jim Moore made us more aware of the necessity of educating people in the use of technology. Many points were made by Jim Moore were discussed by students:
“The mere presence of technology does not bring change...”
“Curriculum has to change first....”
“You have to have everyone on board before it works....”
“It is monetarily more feasible to buy handhelds than laptops for a school....”

Our esteemed professor, Tony, then showed us many podcasting links on his web site: Learninginhand.com, and encouraged us to listen to many of the podcasts. He also explained how to load an MP3 file on to a handheld. The MP3 file must be loaded on a card which is then inserted into the handheld. His suggestion is that teachers can load these files on cards, give students the handhelds complete with headphones and students can listen to lessons or information necessary for their education.

We were then lucky enough to listen to the fifth grade Super Students Space Mission webcast on Willowcast. This included eight fifth graders from Willowdale who put together information and fun facts about the Planets. We thank Alex - host, Maggie - poetry, Jessica - riddle, Nicola - Information on Pluto, Erica - Did you Know?, Ben - Bad joke, Good Joke, Andrew - Vocabulary Theater, Drew - Wonderful Website: www.nasakids.com for their wonderful information and webcast abilities.
Tony also shared a notebook with us that he uses with his students to help them write their segment. Teachers also use these notebooks to help the students with their webcast assignments. One piece of information that Tony gave us is that podcasting is not good unless there is good content from students and that content is aligned with the curriculum.
We were then given a quick explanation of how to use GarageBand with podcasting. Tony pointed out that the music on this podcast was written by Alex during a special computer club after school. Giving students this opportunity to create music and use it on a podcast is excellent. Tony suggested that all music created be kept on hand at the school to be used with other activities where the students need original music that is not copyrighted - excellent idea.

Sketchy sharing was the next item on the agenda. It was pointed out to us that this sketchy program was far more stable than any other versions. However, it was found that there were some frustrations with the program. The sketchies that were shared were awesome. It was obvious that the students in this class enjoyed the assignment, and very obvious to this roving reporter that she really missed a lot last week.

Dinner was next and we thank Rick for the sloppy joes or barbecue sandwiches and chips. The dessert was an excellent ending to the meal and conversation around the table. Rick assures us that is was low calorie and low sugar.

The remainder of class was spent discussing lesson plans that have been developed for past classes. Sample lesson plans can be seen on learninginhand.com: Tony’s web site.

One example of a lesson plan is Exploring Roman Numerals. Tony gave a demonstration on how the lesson should be taught. He also gave passed out the worksheets that were needed for the lesson and beamed to us the Numerous application: needed to complete the lesson. We were also beamed the Roman Numeral eBook that allows students to check answers to the lessons.

Tony then treated us a fifth graders and demonstrated the lesson Getting Silly with the Parts of Speech. The application for this lesson came into being because of a wish list of applications that Tony had listed on his web site: learninginhand.com. Tyson Stephen, from Canada, saw the list and sent a possible application, he had designed, to Tony and his students. The fifth graders played with the application and then sent their suggestions back to Tyson. After a series of trials, the application was completed and offered as free ware on the Internet.
Getting Silly With the Parts of Speech would be a great lesson to use with students who have a basic understanding of the Parts of Speech. Tony warned us that we would all be giggling by the time we were done with the activity. And, yes, we were.
After working with both these lessons, it became even more clear to me how effective handhelds would be in elementary classrooms. They would work so well with those students who normally do not like paper and pencil assignments. What an incentive for students to do their work!!!!

Tony also took the time to go over the rubric that he will use to grade our own original lesson plans that are due April 21. There are many parts to the plan but it is very self explanatory:
Each category will be rated differently.
The lesson plan will take lots of thinking.
There are to be no duplications from previous classes.
It cannot be boring.
The components that need to be included are:
Title
Author
Activity Summary
Content
Grade Level
Required handheld software
Other technology or materials needed - Important
Goals of lesson
Procedures to use
Handouts must be original
When handing in/emailing lesson plans to Tony, do not use any advanced formatting - use the notes on blue handout to follow formatting.
See other handouts for answers to questions.

Quizzler was moved to the next class because of lack of time.

Class ended with Tony beaming an application to us:
Hexplode: an strategy game that you can either play against the handheld or play with two people against each other. The object is to make every space on the screen your own color while obliterating your opponent. Tony pointed out that he prefers to play against himself or against another person. He also said that you can win more often if you play on the harder version.

Class 3/3/05

2005-03-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

Class on 3/3/05
I was disappointed that I had to leave early today because I wanted to learn about Sketchy. I would really like to use this application with my students. I think the students would really enjoy working with it in many areas of the curriculum.
I also wanted to hear more about word processors because I know so little about the word processing applications on the handheld and how to use them. I realize how little I know about this technology and am a little embarassed about my lack of knowledge.
Podcasting intrigues me. There are so many different ways of communicating on the Internet and this is very powerful. It amazes me that anyone who has the technology can do this. Podcasting could be a very powerful instrument for students for long distance learning and communication activities.
Willowdale’s radio broadcast is awesome. The students we heard were very expressive in their reading and extremely entertaining. This is something I would love to do with the students at Hitchcock. The activity covers so many ELOs and is an excellent culminating activity.
My only question is how do you get started? There are so many possibilities that it is hard to choose which one to do first.

SEIR*TEC eBook article

2005-03-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

Ann Scates
“Using Handheld Technology in Schools”

I am in the process of writing a proposal for the purchase of a set of handhelds for my school. This article has given me much information that I can use in the proposal.
In the article there is a section about the Educational Concerns in using handhelds in the classroom. While reading this section, I came to the realization that these concerns can be put to rest with a set plan and rules for students and teachers in the use of the handhelds. This section has forewarned me to be for-armed to have a plan before the handhelds are introduced to the school community.
I was shocked to read about the results that 50% of 6000 teachers surveyed reported that their students spend only 15 minutes a week with technology. It also amazed me that the same teachers reported that they have one or no computers in their classrooms. This situation must be rectified so that all our students throughout the United States can be ready of the work force of the 21st century.
The educational advantages far out weigh the disadvantages. The cost of a handheld is so much less than a desk top computer. Yes, you cannot do as much on a handheld. However, they can be synched to a desktop, information can be downloaded when needed, and students can complete their work on the desktop.
In my school, it is very important that students can use the computers in all areas of the school and outside. The handhelds are very mobile and can be used on field trips and in areas of the school where a computer lab cannot go.
The section titled 101 Great Educational Uses for Your Handheld Computer is a wonderful resource to use when trying to convince other educators of the importance of handhelds and their educational possibilities. It would be great to have this list on your wall of your classroom and check off the uses as you teach them to your students.
In the article, they mention the mobility of the handhelds and the ease for teachers to carry them from place to place to keep notes about students and to use for assessment. They point out that many pieces of women’s clothing do not contain pockets or belts in which to carry the handhelds. Their answer for this problem is for female teachers to use alternatives such as small shoulder bags or special lanyards. I had not thought of this.
Systematic and thorough training is mentioned often throughout the article. They also suggest that teachers be trained first, before the handhelds are put in the hands of the students. I think this is very important so that the teachers do not feel uncomfortable with the technology or with helping students with new applications or troubleshooting.
I was amazed at all the software that is available to users of handhelds. When I started this class, I assumed that there were limited uses for these computers. This article provided me with many new ideas and a list of software that I did not know existed. I look forward to using them in my teaching and my own learning.
When I first started using the eBook to read the above article, I was skeptical because of the size of the print and the set up of the book. I did not like the fact that I could not hold a book in my hand and flip back and forth to pages. I also had problems using the note taking application. However, I am sure this will become easier with more use.
eBooks would be wonderful to use while on a trip. I love to read and often take books when traveling. This practice often creates extra weight in luggage and carry on bags. Having the access to e Books on my handheld would make traveling less taxing.
Students that are not really interested in reading might be more interested if their books were on handhelds. I know of some students who would love to read if they could do it on a handheld. I also have students who would be more willing to complete work if they were given the opportunity to use handhelds in some aspect of the assignment.
This article has given me some excellent arguments to use to convince others that handhelds can and should be a part of our educational setting. I look forward to presenting what I learned to others.

What have I gotten myself into?

2005-02-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

Leaving class tonight I felt like my brain could not contain any more information. We went through so many applications that I am having problems keeping them all straight. The only thing to do is try them all out. However, so many applications, so little time.
eBooks:
The many opportunities available by using eBooks is phenomenal. There are so many situations where I could load an eBook for a student to use. If a student does not necessarily like to read, this would be a unique and interesting way that might interest them and encourage them to read a book and take notes. I am very much interested in looking into the use of eBooks and reading research to see if they truly are useful in teaching.
Assessment:
In the past, I have assessed students using pencil and clipboard while walking around the classroom. I then have had to transfer this information to a grade book and then on to the computer. What I would have done to have a handheld computer to make it soooo much easier. The applications that are out there that can organize information and test results would make the classroom teacher's job so much easier and time efficient.
I am constantly amazed at the opportunities available when using a handheld. I am more and more convinced that every school needs to provide handhelds to those teachers who would use them personally and with their students.

So much to learn, so little time

2005-01-30T18:04:00.000-08:00

As we investigate more and more ways to use the handhelds in the classroom, I realize how much more there is to learn and do. I am very excited about the possibilities of using the handhelds for student projects in the library. Using the contacts application for vocabulary would interest students more in working with vocabulary. It definitely would make it more fun for the students. I also would like to use the same application or maybe the memo application for students to write short summaries about books from the library to encourage other students to read the books.
As I read more articles and research about the use of handhelds in the classroom, I realize how effective they can be if used well. Without a plan or a vision for their use, they just become another fad or excess piece of technology that the students get to "play" with. It is imperative that we have a plan to submit and a vision as to how our students will use the handhelds so that those in the position to make the decisions for purchase will support us.

Article Review

2005-01-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

Ann Huxtable-Scates
TED 8600-801
January 2005

Fryer, Wesley A. Integrating Technology in the Classroom. Competing Visions of Handheld Computer Use in the Classroom. Tools for the TEKS, 3/7/04. Obtained from: http://www.wtvi.com/teks/03_04_articles/competing_visions.html.

As a teacher who has taught in a district with many students below the poverty level, I saw a great “digital divide” between students who had technology in their home and those who did not. Wesley Fryer speaks of this “digital divide” and the need for educators to change this pattern. One suggestion he give to change this inequity is to introduce handheld computers in classrooms. However, he does allow that there are competing ideas on how handhelds should be used in K-12 schools and that these competing views must be weighed before any decisions are made on the purchase of any technology.
Fryer also says that “it is philosophy, not technology, that makes the difference in the classroom.” Each learning community must have a defined vision before any technology purchase is made. He believes that there are four visions that must be thoroughly investigated and decided upon before decisions are made about handheld computers.
Vision 1: Computer Enhanced Assessment.
The author feels that if teachers are able to use handhelds to assess students in the classroom while the class is in session, then they are able to immediately assist students in any reteaching or feedback that is necessary. This information can then be transferred electronically to other students, administrators, and during conferences.
Vision 2: More Centralized Control Over a Teacher-Directed Learning Environment.
Freyer points out in this vision that students who have their own handheld computer are more engaged. Also, as the students manipulate the device, it provides immediate feedback to the teacher as to the students’ needs. The author also discusses the importance for students to be physically engage in their learning which then improves their intellectual engagement. He reiterates the importance of immediate teacher feedback to students which can occur more readily if students each have their own handheld device.
Vision 3: Paperless Classroom Management.
A teacher can use up many reams of paper keeping track of student records such as attendance, grades, standardizes tests, and past behavioral issues, as well as many other records. This problem of paper trails can be lessened with the use of technology. Freyer points out that the use of desktop or handheld computers makes it more convenient for parents to access their student’s records and get immediate feedback on grades or other concerns.
Vision 4: A Learning Environment Defined by Authenticity
Freyer believes the using handhelds in the classroom offers students the opportunity to “engage in learning activities with authentic content, using authentic tools, in communication with an authentic audience.” Some of the opportunities offered by using handhelds include accessing information, taking notes, creating electronic concept maps, writing articles for email exchange and web publication, and engaging in collaboration with other students and teachers. Peer editing and collaboration on electronic presentations for many subjects can also take place in a classroom with handheld computers for all. Mr. Freyer uses Tony Vincent’s fifth grade classroom in Omaha, Nebraska, as an excellent example of handhelds being used in an authentic collaborative learning environment.
Mr. Freyer mentions research from SRI in September 2002 that shows that there is much support among teachers, parents, and students for the integration of handhelds into the classroom. However, he does warn that handhelds should not be arbitrarily introduced into the schools just to make instruction flashy and interesting to students. It “should be used to positively transform teaching and learning environments, to prepare students and teachers for the twenty-first century.”
As educators it is very important for us to thoughtfully choose the appropriate technology for our students. Mr. Freyer is correct when he says that we must have a clearly defined vision for technology use in our schools. In my 25 years of teaching, I have seen too many “great ideas” be implemented just because they are “great ideas.” Much money has been spent on fads in education that never come to fruition or are not educationally sound.
It is very apparent to me that students are more engaged in their learning if they are able to use technology of some kind. Yes, some learning has to be rote and as students say, boring. However, with all the different technology that is available, the creative educator can find some way to infuse it into the curriculum.
The inequity in technology in some of the schools today can be alleviated at a much lower cost by the use of handhelds in the classroom. If educators can find a way of integrating handhelds into their daily curriculum, then it should be done. Students deserve the same opportunities to become a citizen of the twenty first century. The rewards far out weigh the cost.

Second Class

2005-01-26T16:36:00.000-08:00

Handhelds are so easy to use. That was what I went away with from our second class. I have never had the opportunity to use a handheld and felt that they were useless in the educational setting. As we began to use the handhelds and learn different programs and applications, I realized that maybe there was something to this technology. Surfing the Internet later in the evening looking for research, I became even more excited about the possibilities. I came across a wonderful web site with many lesson plans that infused handhelds into the elementary school curriculum and realized there was more to this technology than I thought. All these circumstances led me to read more articles in the hopes that I could use the information to write a grant to purchase a class set of handhelds and keyboards.
I was also intrigued to see the projector that Tony uses with the handhelds in his classes. It is so small yet had such good projection. As a media technology specialist, it would be very important to have such a projector in order for students and teachers to demonstrate and report to other students.
I would like to know how to do the initial introduction of the handhelds to students K-5.

First Class

2005-01-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

When I decided to take this class it was mostly to learn information about handhelds for myself. I, like so many other people, thought that handhelds were only for those wishing to keep track of their lives by using the email, address, and appointment applications. I was unaware of the possibilities for students learning and the opportunities for use in the classroom. I had heard of Tony's success in his classes but was unaware of the opportunities for the integration of handhelds in the elementary classroom. As a media technology specialist in the elementary schools, I am very excited to learn all I can to institute the use of handhelds in my school. The students who enter our schools today are very technology savvy and I feel it is imperative that educators continue to learn and stay current on the opportunities available. On Friday, I talked with 3 teachers, the PTO President, and a parent at my school, about what I had learned and found all of them excited about the possibilities of having a set of handhelds in our building to integrate into the existing curriculum. I look forward to this class and all I can learn.

In the beginning

2005-01-13T18:29:00.000-08:00

In the beginning there was blog. And the blog was a total void. And the blog was frigid and icy. And the blogmaster said, "It is good. For people shall come to the blog and shall fill the blog with words of wisdom and calmness." And it was the end of this blog.