Integrating Handhelds into a CommunityBased Activity: Talented and Gifted Students Use Mobile Techno

1
Integrating Handhelds into a Community-Based
Activity Talented and Gifted Students Use
Mobile Technology

• 240131 Technology in Education
• Sarah E. Ling
• November, 2007

2
Integration of Technology
Place 7th and 8th Grade Talented Gifted
Classes Project Future Problem Solving Program
(FPSP) Technology Personal Digital Assistants
(PDA)
3
Talented and Gifted Program

• Rural Class IA Iowa School District
• Two classes
• 7th grade (7 students)
• 8th grade (6 students)
• Meet in teachers lounge
• Limited access to computer lab

4
Future Problem Solving Program

• Project-based group activity
• Engages students in creative problem solving
• FPS teaches students HOW to think, not what to
  think.
• Chosen component Community Problem Solving
  (CmPS)

5
Community Problem Solving (CmPS)

• Application of FPSP skills to real problems in
  the community
• - School - Local community
• - Region - State
• - Nation
• Involves implementation of the action plan
• Moves from hypothetical issues to real world,
  authentic concerns

6
Personal Philosophy

• Change in pedagogy
• constructivist or project-based, problem-solving
  approach to learning
• Healy, 1998
• Break the cycle of technology failures
• Must question the fit
• Evaluate emotional content of classrooms
• Learning in addition to technology mastering
• Cuban, 1986
• The right tool for the job

7
Personal Philosophy continued

• Accessible technology
• Available computers means more likely to use them
  
• Becker, 2000
• Skills needed to process influx of data and
  information
• Ability to communicate
• Reflective component essential

8
Personal Digital Assistants

• Handheld devices
• AKA Pocket Computers
• Versatile, multi-functional, and mobile
• Capabilities include
• Word processing
• Email
• Limited internet connection
• Gaming
• HotSyncing between devices

9
Funding

• Grant money received will cover
• 15 PDAs
• PDA Software
• Interactive Smart Board
• Training expenses for teacher and technology
  coordinator

10
Additional Equipment

• Laser printer capable of wireless PDA printing
• Desktop computers with internet access
• Interactive Smart Board for final presentation

11
Additional Personnel

• Area Education Agency Technology Specialist
• Teacher Librarian
• District Technology Coordinator

12
Pre-Project Training

• Palm Educators Training Program
• Four day training conference offsite
• Teacher only
• AEA Training by Technology Specialist
• One-on-one training onsite
• Includes the District Tech Coordinator

13
The Process

• Review of FPSP six step model
• Introduction to the 2007-08 Topics
• Distribution of PDAs and software
• Exploration of technology capabilities
• Establishment of personal journals
• Review of group expectations and creation of
  group contract

14
Technological Capabilities

• Available software
• FlingIt (downloads websites for later use)
• DocumentsToGo (Microsoft Office Applications)
• PiCoMap (concept mapping)
• Sketchy (drawing program)
• Beaming documents between students, teacher,
  and printer
• Mobility in and out of the classroom

15
Communication

• Students can communicate via email
• With other students
• Teacher
• Technology coordinator for technical support
• Individuals in and out of the community
• Experts in the FPSP topic areas

16
Conclusions and Recommendations

• Meets key elements of personal philosophy on
  technology integration
• Requires continued support and technical training
• Reflective component is essential
• Important to share with school, district, and
  community