Handheld Learning - learning with mobile and ubiquitous technologies

I'm glad you got it to work!

I struggled with the different ways to set up Twitter for Handheld Learning 2008. I decided to use a service called GroupTweet that takes direct messages sent to HHL and republishes them in the HHL timeline, making them appear as if they were from the HHL account. This is handy because then delegates don't have to follow all of the other Twitter accounts--just HHL. Also, this will give us a nice archive of the tweets after the conference concludes.

In recent months Twitter's search function has been updated and works in real time. So, another way to stay in the the know on Twitter about Handheld Learning 2008 is to type "hhl" into http://search.twitter.com. If delegates make sure to put "hhl" somewhere in their tweets, the search will pick it up.  As cool bonus, the search page has an RSS feed so you can subscribe to tweets that contain "hhl" (or any other keyword(s) you'd like to track on Twitter).

Unfortunately, Twitter was not made to deal with groups. So we have a couple different ways to form our own group--either through direct messages to the hhl account or through using Twitter search. Either way, I hope Twitter not only becomes a mode of sharing during the conference, but that delegates find others to follow for years to come.

Those of us who used Twitter at Handheld Learning 2007 know just how fun and educational that experience was. We used the service to post thoughts, ideas, links, criticisms, and humor during the conference. Twitter is perfect for a conference devoted to learning while mobile because you can read and post to Twitter using a variety of devices. In fact, I used what was posted on Twitter to write a review of the conference:
http://www.handheldlearning.co.uk/content/view/41/2/

Twitter will again be part of Handheld Learning. I've made a one-pager that will help you get started using Twitter:
http://learninginhand.com/files/HHL08_Twitter.pdf

Twitter for Handheld Learning 2008 is set up a little differently than before. We're using a service that republishes direct message to the HHL account into the main HHL timeline. That means that in order for your Twitter message to appear on twitter.com/hhl and on handheldlearning.co.uk, you need to start your Twitter message with d hhl and then your message. It might take a couple of minutes for that message to appear in the HHL timeline, but it will be there and your Twitter username will be shown along with your message.  In fact, we're Twittering already, check it out at http://twitter.com/hhl. Lately there have been only a few of us contributing but I know that will change come conference time.

If you have a question about Twitter you can ask here or send me a direct Twitter message: http://twitter.com/direct_messages/create/tonyvincent

I look forward to reading your "tweets"!

Homework is an interesting topic.  It seems that what's given as homework has not changed despite advances in technology.

I recently blogged about some chemistry teachers in Colorado who have switched up what homework is:
http://learninginhand.com/blog/2008/07/video-podcasts-free-up-class-time.html

These teachers have students watch podcasts of their lectures as their only homework. What traditionally was given as homework is done during class time. This makes sense to me as watching a lecture is fairly passive. I like that students can re-watch parts they don't understand without slowing down the rest of the class. The lecture is effectively at each student's own pace.

What is done in class are hands-on experiments, activities that require collaboration, and written work that students will inevitably have questions about. This makes the teacher available to assist students while they need the help--not in the traditional panic the next morning before the homework is due.

When the homework is to watch your iPod or TV, it sounds less like a punishment. It seems the Colorado students appreciate this approach.

I'm excited about Twitter for Handheld Learning 2008!  I think we'll have quite a few delegates posting updates from the conference. Of course, those of us that did post from last year's conference had a blast.

I've updated my one-page beginners' guide for HHL 2008 (see attached).

Like Graham said, our Twitter setup is a little different from last year. We're the GroupTweet service to reroute direct messages to hhl into hhl's updates page. That way, you can go to one page (http://twitter.com/hhl) to see the updates. If you see an update from an interesting person on hhl, you can click their hyperlinked username and follow them as well.

Do note that by sending a direct message to Twitter (that means you start your Twitter update with d hhl) it will not appear on your own Twitter page, just hhl's. Also, be aware it takes about 2 minutes for your d hhl message to appear on twitter.com/hhl.

So, getting used to the Twitter way of things can take a little while. That's why I suggest getting started now so you're a pro when October's conference comes around.

Also, here's a great video called Twitter in Plain English that explains Twitter for those of you new to this micro-blogging service.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/ddO9idmax0o&rel=0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/ddO9idmax0o&rel=0</a>

Hello Megan! I think iWriter is a terrific tool and I bet you have created some great learning opportunities for music students. I look forward to reading more about what you do with iPods!

I have collected some resources for using iPods in education. Check out the site and my podcast at http://learninginhand.com/ipod/ and hopefully you'll pick up an idea or two.

Twitter has been used successfully at various conferences to connect delegates before, during, and after the events. It's a "micro-blogging" service that allows users to post brief updates via SMS, IM, the web, or desktop software. You can read updates of others in the same ways you post updates.

I've set up a Twitter account for Handheld Learning 2007 at http://twitter.com/hhl. An aggregation of updates from everyone participating in the conference "Twitter-fest" can be read at http://twitter.com/hhl/with_friends.

Because Twitter can be accessed in so many ways, it's perfect for conference-goers who may be using a laptop, handheld, or mobile phone. It takes a while for most users to actually understand the potential value of connecting by Twitter. I suggest using it for a week or more before judging its usefulness.

I've written a one-page PDF file to help delegates set up and use Twitter. Please review the PDF and make suggestions for improvement:
http://learninginhand.com/notes/Twitter_HHL.pdf

I look forward to seeing your 140 characters (or less) updates on Twitter!

PSP in classrooms is a reality in a few classrooms.  Check out the PSP Teachers Blog:
http://pspteachers.blogspot.com/index.html

They are doing lots of great stuff, especially with RSS!

QuickNews is for Palm handhelds:
http://standalone.com/palmos/quick_news/

It allows you to subscribe to RSS feeds and podcasts.  Unlike AudioBay, you cannot create your own podcasts.

I made it back home to the U.S. and I think I've gotten over my jetlag and now am operating on my normal lag.  It was great to meet so many forum members at the conference!

I was honored to be part of the panel discussion on the final day of Handheld Learning 2006.  However, I apparently not assertive enough as I sat on the panel and never got a chance to say a word. It's great we have the online forums to continue to discussion!

We know that aside home life, the quality of the teacher is the biggest factor in student achievement. If we want to successfully embed handheld learning, then it's really up to the teachers. I've worked with about a thousand U.S. teachers in 20 states to integrate handheld computers over the last four years. Two things I heard on the panel disturbed me because they are not teacher focused.

First, it was proposed to change the name of the conference from Handheld Learning to just Learning.  How are educators who want to know more about handheld computing ever supposed to find out about it if there are not conferences, books, and websites dedicated to it? Teachers know about learning-it's their job after all. Actually, I didn't hear a lot of faith in teachers.  Maybe there is a difference in U.K. teachers and U.S. teachers, but I know even the most veteran teachers who are willing to change their practices to improve learning and prepare students for the future. Sure, there are a certain number of teachers who resist change. But it seemed to me teachers were portrayed as practically incompetent by some presenters and delegates (based on certain comments). With proper professional development, most teachers in my experience are willing to do whatever it takes to help their students. And when educators go to a conference about technology, they are constantly thinking about how to apply the new tools to learning. Don't insult them by constantly reiterating it's about learning...they know-that's why they are there!  Helping learners is their job and in most instances, it's their passion.

The second item that was pervasive throughout most all of the sessions in the Churchill Auditorium was that the device and software do not matter. I'm here to tell you that they do, especially software. As I said in my session, teachers need to know the abilities and limitations of the learning tools in their classrooms. You can't expect them to figure it all out on their own time! Educators need training so they can use the devices effectively. Omitting discussion about hardware and software is a disservice because it really is necessary to know what your tools can do and can't do. Also important in teacher training is classroom/technical management and instructional strategies. Without all of these, embedding handheld learning won't be very successful.

I did thoroughly enjoy the conference and it gave me a lot to think about. Mostly it made me reflect on my approach to handheld learning-and perhaps defend it. It's great to discuss the future of learning. It's also great to discuss what we can do for our students, even with limited resources and a system of education based on assessment.

I've been to many conference dedicated to handheld computing in education and Handheld Learning 2006 was one of the best! I'm blogging about the conference at http://learninginhand.com/blog

I'll be at NECC this July. I look forward to seeing you there again, Graham! I'm also looking forward to attending some great handheld computing sessions. I think I'm most excited for all of the fun evening events! 

Andy,

We have used a variety of ways to do script our podcasts.  For some,  I worked with a small group of students who created all of the content. Other Willowcasts had each student in a classroom research and write a segment.  Then the segments were presented to the class. The teacher and class picked which segments would actually be recorded for Radio WillowWeb.  Of course, in deciding which ones to pick, thought has to go into not only picking a variety of segments and topics, but which ones are well written, interesting, and presented well. The process is just as important to learning as the final podcast product. And students take it really seriously because they know what makes a good Willowcast and they want to be part of it!

The students loved recording the podcasts—they like to be the stars of the show.  Students also composed the music in Apple’s Garage Band software. I actually do the post production to put the final product together and online.  The students in our school tune into Radio WillowWeb whenever they have free time with a computer. Many parents have listened to Radio WillowWeb and think it's great.  However, I don’t think many are actually subscribing to the podcast—they just visit the website.  I think when podcasting becomes more mainstream and easier to subscribe to (maybe in less than 2 months with the new version of iTunes), more parents will subscribe.  We do, however, have many non-Willowdale subscribers and have received lots of positive feedback.  The students know they have  real audience out there listening.  Our Willowcast #1 was even rebroadcast on a radio station in California.  Those second graders thought that was the coolest thing ever (and I did too)!

I think there are many potential benefits when educators are the ones doing the podcasting. But I've had much success with students doing the podcasting. Knowing that the recorded shows will be distributed around the world on the Internet, students are not only excited, but they write, perform, and produce for that audience. It's seems to work best as a culminating activity at the end of a unit of study.  Students have learned some great information and they want to share it (instead of simply testing over the material). You should see how motivated students are to record the show. I can't even tell you how many times they then listen to their own shows.  They have them memorized! It's great to see students interacting with content and learning communication.

Willowdale Elementary School's podcasts are part of Radio WillowWeb--
On the web: http://www.mpsomaha.org/willow/radio
RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RadioWillowWeb

Our shows follow a certain format, but there are certainly many possibilities!  Like blogs, podcasts can also be a great way for students to reflect on learning. Check out Room 208 podcast: http://podcastalley.com/podcast_details.php?pod_id=3343 from another elementary school in the United States.

By the way, I don't mind the term "podcast".  Yeah, it sounds like an iPod, but going back to my high school Latin days, pod, meaning foot (i.e. "portable") seems to be a great root word to combine with "casting." However, my students and I call our podcasts Willowcasts. 

Check out Sunrise.  Currently, it's an open source program that allows you to save RSS feeds as Plucker documents: http://laurens.typepad.com/

From the same developer, look at the older-but-captable (and multi-platform) BlogPluck: http://www.freewarepalm.com/utilities/blogpluck.shtml

Another (free) option is to use GoKnow's FlingIt software. You would simply use a desktop computer to send the blog page to one handheld and then beam to others (this solution doesn't use RSS, actually): http://www.goknow.com/Products/FlingIt/

Having a way for students to read their own class blog is important.  Handhelds help because there usually isn't time for each student to use the classroom or lab computers for casual reading of blogs.

Let us know what ends up working best for you and your students!

Many people I already know have introduced themselves!  Hi Midge, Kathy, and Jon—fancy meeting you here! Christine, I don’t think we got to meet, but you presented at the Michigan handhelds conference I keynoted earlier this month.  It’s a small world!

Here’s a little about myself: My first handheld was a Palm III.  I used it to organize my calendar and to remind myself when I needed to keep students in for recess.  In 2001, I received a class set of Palm m505s for my fifth graders at Willowdale Elementary School in Nebraska, USA.  It was time to move beyond using handhelds as an electronic organizer and use them as a learning tool. I scoured the web to find software that would help students learn the fifth grade curriculum. I loved teaching in a classroom where each student had his or her own computer.  I also discovered I enjoyed helping other teachers use technology with students. Currently I’m the technology teacher/facilitator/specialist/coordinator for my elementary school.  My school has a handheld for each fifth grader and two roving class sets shared by grades kindergarten through fourth. Check out Willowdale’s web site: http://www.mpsomaha.org/willow

Aside from teaching students and teachers at Willowdale, I’ve contributed to or written books and articles about educational use of handhelds. I teach a university class titled “Handhelds in Teaching and Learning” and developed a series of Palm and Pocket PC workshops for teachers. Also, I maintain my web site, http://learninginhand.com

I know from visitors to my site that interest in handheld computers in schools is certainly not limited to the United States.  I’m pleased to see this new forum online!