Handheld Learning - learning with mobile and ubiquitous technologies

I'm all for getting red of textbooks, but let's take it to the elementary level, as well.  Kids are breaking their backs lugging around those backpacks weighted down with textbooks that barely ever get read.  What's wrong with kids having e-books?  Most of the information in the texts can be easily found on the internet.  Just an idea.....

Teach534

Andy,

I'm game for the test.

Teach534

PeterB,

Here is the web site for Learner Profile:  http://www.learnerprofile.com/

I suppose it does seem costly, but for what it does and the information it provides...it is invaluable.  I am not an experienced Excel user.  I needed something that would allow me the capability to record on-the-spot profiles of student learning and development (towards the standards and specific skills) and LP was the ticket.  As I mentioned before, I was very fortunate to receive some grant money for the equiptment.  I simply upload the standards to the Palm, set my qualifiers, upload my list of students and assess away!  You'll have to share what Excel provides in way of assessment.  How do you do anectodal records using Excel?  Are your reports qualitative only or can quantitative reports be compiled? 

Teach534

Regarding the role of teacher in a high-tech community of learners, Mark hit the nail on the head.  The "sage on the stage" is out as well as the facilitator on the side.  The teacher (in the words of a very dear friend of mine) becomes the "learner on the burner."  It is about the journey of teaching students (and one's self) to be life-long learners.  I think the teacher becomes a true assessor of students learning/skills, as well as a part of the learning process.  When teachers work in a true technology integrated classroom the potential for authentic inquiry can take place.  Rather than answer questions, the teacher can ask them.  What better way to teach students to problem solve.  Why tell them answers when they can be taught to find their own answers.  The curriculum (thanks to standards) is pretty well determined by the state.  The teacher sets the stage for the events that lead to student understanding and mastery of the skills.  In reality, with the wealth of information available to students and the tools they have available, as a teacher I would do them such a disservice if all I taught them was what I know.  The world of knowledge is ever expanding and things in this world are not finite.  I believe it is our responsibility to present every opportunity for children to learn how to explore their world, their questions, their interests.

Andy,

I teach 5th grade and having been using PDAs for five years.  I use mine for assessment as the program I have allows me to write anecdotal notes to the standards as well as qualify the level of understanding of the standards each student exhibits.  Papers students do are good for a certain type of assessment, but having those moments when kids "get it" in class and being able to record them is invaluable.

Teach534

PeterB,

I use Learner Profile.  It is not too costly, but I was very fortunate to get a some grant money for the purchase.  Without the Palm (it is sold with a PDA or without) you can purchase the program for less than $300.  It is such a powerful tool.  I know there are other alternative assessment programs out there that may be better, but I haven't been willing to give up LP. 

Teach534

Graham,

I am a new member of the forum and I would just like to cast my vote for students being allowed to join the forum.  That's who uses the PDAs, they're the ones who know what to do with them.  Just wanted to cast my vote.

Thank you for the great site and the sharing that takes place.

Jan

I am a fifth grade teacher in Ohio. We have been using our out-dated Palms for about 4 or 5 years now. I feel that our classroom is truly ubiquitous in that the children make decisions about how to use their Palms for educational purposes. They have come up with some very innovative ways to reinforce their learning in the classroom. Many of them use them for their word-processing needs, others for developing alternative assessment responses to tasks. I am always amazed at what they create and how many different ways they find to use their PDAs. They love to take pictures to document their work and include those in their e-portfolios. Some have found foreign language programs that helped them acquire minimal skills. I find the Palms to be truly motivating and stimulating for my students. I personally use my Palm for assessment. Since we are standards-based, the program I use allows me to set my qualifiers and then record their level of mastery at any given moment to any specific standard. The print-out reports are a wonderful tool at conference time as parents can get a good picture of how their student works in the school setting.