Handheld computers promote the concept of independent and community learning within the classroom. Although the technology is still being developed, there are many programs and functions that can be applied today across the curriculum. In math, the Palm becomes a graphing calculator, in physical education a stopwatch, in science a data collection tool using probes, in social studies a resource tool, and in language arts an eBook reader and composition pad. Palms also support collaboration and sharing of information through beaming ideas and data for group projects.

How research supports this module?

Soloway, E. (1999). Supporting science inquiry in k-12 using Palm computers: A Palm manifesto. Retrieved June 11, 2003, from http://www.pdaed.com/features/palmmanifesto.xml/

The innovative research at the University of Michigan by Elliot Soloway and others has demonstrated the value of handheld technology in the classroom. Handheld technology has allowed students to complete field research and share information immediately.

Curtis, D. (2002). Handhelds go to class. Edutopia Online. Retrieved June 11, 2003, from http://www.glef.org/ (Type in the search term "handhelds".)

Students have studied ecological footprints and tracked vocabulary at consolidated High School District 230 in Orland Park, Illinois. That district equipped its three high schools with 2,200 Palms. "One of the biology teachers who keeps a set of handhelds for her special education class says the assignment and project planner capabilities of the computers - their original functions - should not be underestimated. Her students are much more organized with the PDAs and use them to, among other things, keep track of grades and assignments."

The Palm Education Pioneer (PEP) grants website contains a wealth of information and links to the latest research, showing the value of Palm's wireless technology, use of the Palm in museums, and examples of Palms for outdoor data collection.
http://www.palmgrants.sri.com

• ISTE Standard I. Technology Operations and Concepts (A, B)
• ISTE Standard V. Productivity and professional Practice (A, B, C)

• ISTE Standard II. Planning & Designing Learning Environments & Experiences (A, B, D, E)
• ISTE Standard IV. Assessment and Evaluation (A, B, C)
• ISTE Standard VI. Social, Ethical, Legal and Human Issues (A, D)

Participants who successfully complete a skill module will be exposed to ISTE standards for teachers as well as ISTE standards for students.

• Navigate the Applications Launcher.
• Create a personal business card in the address book and beam it to another Palm.
• Set the time, date, and alarm in the clock.
• Create a memo using Graffiti and beam it to another Palm.
• Create three items for the To Do list, including a new category, and a note.
• Install software from Hi-Ce.
• Identify the parts of a Palm.
• Become proficient writing with Graffiti.
• Complete four functions on the calculator.
• List three events and set the alarm for one of them in the Date Book.
• Create a note and beam it to another Palm.
• Demonstrate how to Hot Sync a Palm to the Desktop.

Palm Technology Pre-Assessment Checklist

3 = Advanced
2 = Intermediate
1 = Introductory

I would rate my knowledge and skill level in using the following Palm applications as:

Please circle one:

1. Applications Launcher 3 2 1
2. Graffiti 3 2 1
3. Address Book 3 2 1
4. Calculator 3 2 1
5. Clock 3 2 1
6. Date Book 3 2 1
7. Memo Pad 3 2 1
8. Note Pad 3 2 1
9. To Do 3 2 1
10. Beaming 3 2 1
11. Palm Desktop 3 2 1
12. Hot Sync 3 2 1

Palm Technology Post-Assessment Checklist

Participant's Name:

The participant completed the following Tasks:

_____ Created a personal business card (address) and beamed it to another Palm.
          (Address Book)

_____ Completed 4 functions on the calculator. (Calculator)

_____ Set the time, date and alarm. (Clock)

_____ Listed three events and set the alarm for one of them. (Date Book)

_____ Created a memo using Graffiti and beamed it to another Palm. (Memo Pad)

_____ Created a note and beamed it to another Palm. (Note Pad)

_____ Created three items for the To Do list. Created a new category and filed
          the To Do items. Created a note to accompany the To Do List items. (To Do)

_____ Hot Synched Palm to Desktop. (Hot Sync and Palm Desktop)

_____ Installed and performed the Cooties simulation.

Knowledge of basic computing skills, including installation of software, how to pull down menus, navigate software, and scroll.

For Instructor:

• Presenter-To-Go
• Digital Projector

For Instructor and Participants:

• Palm Handheld (PDA)
• Computer with Hot Synching capability
• Internet access

Presenter-To-Go is a great way to demonstrate the functions of the Palm to an entire group using a digital projector.

Be sure to download the Cooties program from the Hi-Ce Website. http://www.goKnow.com/Products/Downloads.html Then, beam to one or two participants who will beam it to others.

The step-by-step instructions are self-explanatory. The instructor may want to deliver the module as whole group or allow the participants to go at their own pace.

Step-by-step instructions with assignment tasks are incorporated in the document, Getting to Know Your Palm.

Getting to Know Your Palm
http://www.cyberbee.com/palm.pdf

1. What learning experiences and strategies utilizing this technology could participants provide in their classrooms?
2. What resources and equipment will be needed in the classroom?
3. What classroom management issues need to be addressed?
4. What assessment/evaluation strategies could be used to assess student knowledge and skill when using this technology? (For example: portfolios, checklists, demonstrations, rubric)
5. How might the participant utilize this technology in student assessment?
6. What legal and ethical issues should be addressed when utilizing this technology?
7. What health and safety issues should be addressed when utilizing this technology?
8. What research supports use of this technology skill(s) and knowledge in the classroom?
9. How would you address students' diverse learning needs when using this technology?
10. How can this technology be used to support learner-centered startegies that address students' diverse learning need?

Discussion Questions and Resources

1. Learning Experiences and Strategies
   Learning experiences utilizing this technology in the classroom can include journal writing, data collection for science experiments, and practice with organizational skills. The Palm can be used to gather data on a variety of fieldtrips.

   Free Palm Software from Hi-Ce
   http://www.handheld.hice-dev.org/
   One of the best sites on the Web for free Palm software and loads of ideas for using handhelds.

2. Resources and Equipment
   Palm Pilots for each student or each cooperative group of students will be needed.

   Alpha Smarts are possible alternatives for this project:

   The AlphaSmart is based on the Palm OS and includes a keyboard and larger screen.

3. Classroom Management Issues
   Discuss:
   
   1. How will Palms be distributed and collected in the classroom?
   2. How will Palms be labeled?
   3. How many Palms are needed?

   For extensive information on managing Palms in the classroom see: Curtis, M., Williams, B., Norris, C., O'Leary, D., & Soloway, E. (2003). Palm handheld computers?A complete resource for classroom teachers. Eugene, OR: ISTE.

4. Assessment/Evaluation Strategies
   Rubrics can be used to assess projects created with assistance from the Palm Pilots. Rubrics can also be created to assess student involvement in the project as a cooperative group member or individual.

   The Rubistar website can be used as a resource for assessment.
   http://rubistar.4teachers.org/

   As students become more proficient using handheld computers, they can demonstrate their projects to other students by using a projection device or include project examples in a digital portfolio.

5. Student Assessment
   From any point in the classroom, teachers can use Palm Pilots to record grades and make notes on student progress.

6. Legal and Ethical Issues
   It should be impressed upon students that the Palms are to be used in class for curriculum related activities only. Students should have respect for the work of other students and not interfere with any other student's learning. Teachers should check their school district Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for inclusion of handheld computing devices.

   For sample contracts and permission forms, see:
   Curtis, M., Williams, B., Norris, C., O'Leary, D., & Soloway, E. (2003). Palm handheld computers?A complete resource for classroom teachers. Eugene, OR: ISTE.

7. Health and Safety Issues
   When using any computer technology, teachers should pay attention to ergonomics (back and foot support, distance of the keyboard, adjustment of the monitor, etc.) and especially to the amount of time that students spend on the computer. When using handhelds in the classroom, teachers should also consider each student's physical response to writing graffiti and viewing data on a tiny screen. A Palm Pilot can be attached to a portable keyboard for students having difficulty using graffiti. Teachers should consider allowing students with vision problems to view Palm software on a monitor (running on a computer) for entering data and then Hot Synching the data to the Palm handheld.

   For additional information on ergonomics, see:

   • CUErgo: Cornell University Ergonomics Web Site
     http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/
8. Supporting Research
   Merits of Palms in the Classroom Discussion Questions:
   
   1. Can a Palm replace a graphing calculator?
   2. Compare and contrast Palm technology with a desktop computer.

   One resource text that could be referenced is:
   Curtis, M., Williams, B., Norris, C., O'Leary, D., & Soloway, E. (2003). Palm handheld computers?A complete resource for classroom teachers. Eugene, OR: ISTE.

   This is an excellent book that has been field-tested with students. Lessons, tips on classroom management, and a CD-ROM with free software are included in this package.

   Inquiring Minds
   http://www.pdpvu.org/inquiry/sharing.html

   This website supported a graduate Ohio State University/Columbus Public Schools class in using Palm technology in the classroom. There are several lessons that teachers used with their students in the classroom.

9. Diverse Learning Needs
   Students who cannot use the Graffiti application may substitute the onscreen keyboard. An AlphaSmart Dana may be substituted for the Palm to provide a larger screen. Students with visual impairments should be assessed with various models - an active matrix screen might be needed, perhaps with an appropriate magnifier.

   Students need to be able to navigate the applications physically and cognitively; cooperative groups may be utilized if students cannot access the Palm independently.

10. Learner-Centered Strategies
    This type of technology is often used with project-based learning, which provides purposeful learning activities that are effective with students who struggle with learning.

• Concord Consortium
  http://www.concord.org/research/handhelds.html
  Extensive reviews of Palm software along with project starters.
• Handheld Computers
  http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/bcisd/classres/mobile.htm
  Links to articles, resources, software, and wireless technology.
• Handheld Educator
  http://www.techlearning.com/palm/
• Handheld Learning
  http://educatorspalm.org/
  Great site for ideas and resources for implementing handheld technology.
• Hi-Ce Website
  http://www.handheld.hice-dev.org/
  One of the best sites on the Web for free Palm software and loads of ideas for using handhelds.
• Lesson Plans, Arkansas Tech University
  http://palm.atu.edu/lessons.htm
  Numerous lessons for using handheld technology.
• PEP ? Pioneer Palm Grants
  http://www.palmgrants.sri.com
  A wealth of information from the Idea Bank on projects, simulations, and software to use with students.
• Curtis, M., Williams, B., Norris, C., O'Leary, D., & Soloway, E. (2003). Palm handheld computers?A complete resource for classroom teachers. Eugene, OR: ISTE.

  An excellent book that has been field-tested with students. Lessons, tips on classroom management, and a CD-ROM with free software are included in this package.