Video Four: Using Handhelds in the Classroom

After watching the assigned video the objective of this blog was to answer the following questions: 

1. Describe two ways that the graduate students (teachers) plan to use the handheld computers to teach 

2. Name name an important advantage of handhelds that the professor identified over laptops.  

3. Identify some general advantages of using wireless technologies in the classroom.  

4. How would wireless technologies change the “traditional” classroom environment in the future (and present)?

The video, Using Handhelds in the Classroom, students and graduate students, teachers, and students worked together to learn how to utilize handheld devices, specifically Palm pilots. Some interesting comments noted within the video were some of the learning outcomes of students unrelated to the content that was being taught. Not only were students learning the content but they were also learning how to utilize a handheld device and teaching peers as well as teachers how to utilize them. It also allowed for more communication and collaboration in working with adults and peers as well as the ability to engage in problem-solving techniques in identifying how to make programs work correctly. In Teaching and Learning with Technology, Lever-Duffy & McDonald (2008) identify the importance of not only learning content but also how to utilize technology and productivity software to effectively manage your time. Similarly in the video students and teachers are not only learning the content taught in the course they are also learning how to utilize productivity softwares which will also benefit them outside the classroom.

Some of the ideas heard in this video from future teachers as well as students in regards to their use of handhelds included: PicoMaps and Long Division with Sketchy. PicoMaps is a concept mapping software that allows students to draw out ideas and thoughts. Sketchy is another software that allows users to write programs to calculate math problems. The video also emphasized the benefits handhelds might offer to students with disabilities in that they provide a personalized feel and would allow these students to accurately keep up with daily planners that are required in special education courses. Initially, the instructor in the video had a preference to laptops over handheld devices however because of financial constraints the project incorporated Palm pilots. Interestingly enough he preferred that the handheld restricted the student’s Web use as it kept them focused on simple tasks.

Some of the advantages of using wireless technologies include the fact it provides flexibility with the physical space and layout of the classroom and also allows students the ability to “beam” or share information with one another. Physical space is one element of the learning environment that Lever-Duffy & McDonald indicate can have a significant impact on the teaching-learning process (2008, p.56). Utilizing wireless technologies allows teachers the ability to utilize the entire classroom and provides students the ability to use technology at their seats, in an assigned area, etc. Furthermore, the ability for students to understand how to utilize these devices and share information with one another allows them the ability to communicate with one another fostering a collaborative learning environment and immediate feedback with one another. I believe wireless devices such as Palm pilots and laptops will allow teachers the ability to format their lessons on multiple platforms adapting to the vast needs of student learner’s today. I also believe it will encourage a collaborative learning environment and allow students to not only learn the content required but also develop critical skills in utilizing technology.

Reference:

Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. B. (2008). Teaching and learning with technology (3^rd ed.). United States: Pearson Education, Inc.