Using Handheld Technologies In Schools
SouthEast Initiatives Regional Technology in Education Consortium
Volume Five ◆ Number Two ◆ 2002
THIS ISSUE:
Handheld
Using Handheld
Technologies
Technologies in Schools
Is a computer for every student—a
education, K–12 schools are begin-
INSIDE...
laptop or even a ratio of one desktop
ning to take a serious look at hand-
computer per student—still a dream
held computing for teaching and
The Impact of
2
for most schools? Across the South-
learning, administrative tasks, and
Technology on Education
east, the response would be a re-
communication and collaboration. In
sounding, “Yes!” Several schools,
fact, the potential for using hand-
Handheld Technology:
3
however, are testing handheld com-
helds in education is almost limit-
The Basics
puters, such as Palm’s Palm Pilots
less. Now is the time to begin
An Overview of
5
and Hewlett Packard’s Jornadas, as
discovering whether or not these
Wireless Networking
possible technologies to provide each
student. Many high school students
Considerations When
7
already own a graphing calculator
Buying a Handheld
that costs about the same amount as
Educational Advantages
9
many of these handheld devices. So
why provide a student a handheld
Educational Concerns
10
computer? In addition to being a
Student Teachers and High
11
graphing calculator, a handheld com-
School Seniors Beam the
puter can serve as a time-manage-
Internet
ment tool, a graphic organizer, a word
processor, a web browser, an e-mail
101 Great Educational
12
device, and much more.
Uses for Your
Handheld Computer
Originally marketed as a personal
Picture This!
14
organizer for on-the-go business
executives and ardent technophiles,
Using Handheld
16
personal digital assistants (PDAs)
Technologies in Schools
have evolved into handheld comput-
Using eBooks on Handhelds
21
ing devices and have become one
of the most ubiquitous electronic
A Sampling of Projects
22
devices in both the consumer and
Grant Opportunities
24
business worlds. Sometimes
known as PDAs, palmtops, pocket
Sample Educational
26
PCs, personal PCs, handheld de-
computing devices can be used to
Software
vices, or handheld computers,
help fulfill the promise of educa-
Handheld Resources
30
these devices were described in
tional computing. They just may be
the answer to overcoming the prob-
Glossary
32
the Chicago Tribune as looking like
a “cross between a cell phone and
lem of access to technology and to
a Nintendo Game Boy.”
creating equity of use in the class-
room. This issue of the SEIR◆TEC
Due to lower costs, increased func-
NewsWire is devoted to exploring the
tionality, and the availability of new
possibilities of handheld computing
software designed specifically for
in K–12 schools. ◆
The Impact of Technology
on Education
Although it is difficult to generalize find-
with experts, and with others around
ings from technology research, there
the corner and around the world.
should be little question that technology
Many studies, however, have shown
has an important role to play in educa-
technology has not had a great impact on
tion. Ask any teacher who really uses
teaching and learning. Why not? There
technology effectively in the classroom.
may be many reasons, but lack of access
Ask students who use technology as a
to technology seems to be among the top
tool in their own learning. They’ll con-
culprits. In a study conducted by Elliot
firm what the research (Valdez et al.,
Soloway and the Hi-Ce project at the
2000) says:
University of Michigan, 50% of the 6,000
◆ Technology makes learning more in-
respondents (teachers) to a survey re-
teractive, more enjoyable, and more
ported that their students use computers
customizable. It improves students’
less than 15 minutes a week (Soloway et
attitudes toward content and their
al., 2000). Why? Sixty percent of the
interest in learning.
6,000 respondents reported that they
had one or no computer in their class-
◆ Technology offers opportunities for
rooms. Neither they nor their students
learner-control, increased motivation,
have access to computers for any ex-
and connections to the real world.
tended period of time. According to
◆ Technology can improve student
Soloway and his colleagues, “It’s unrea-
achievement—as indicated by in-
sonable to expect computers to have a
creases in standardized text scores—
positive impact on learning and teaching
when it is used to support instruction
[when students and teachers] have lim-
in the classroom.
ited access to them and thus aren’t using
them” (Soloway et al., 2001).
◆ Technology can help students investi-
gate and answer complex questions,
While every student cannot be provided
develop thinking skills, and learn to
with a $1,000 desktop computer, it is not
access, sort, evaluate, and synthesize
outside the realm of possibility to imag-
information.
ine a time when every student can be
◆ Technology can help students set goals,
provided with his or her own $100 per-
form and test hypotheses, and make
sonal handheld computing device. These
discoveries on their own—helping them
affordable devices could overcome the
develop skills they will encounter in life
access barrier that is limiting the impact
after school.
of technology on teaching and learning.
Time will tell the story. ◆
◆ Technology offers tools to share knowl-
edge and learn cooperatively instead of
individually.
References:
◆ Technology can make students more
Soloway, E., Becker, H., Norris, C., &
efficient and organized.
Topp, N. (2000, June). Teachers &
◆
technology: Easing the way. Communi-
Technology can help students clarify
cations of the ACM, 43(6).
their questions, locate potential an-
swers, and decide on validity, appro-
Soloway, E., Norris, C., Blumenfeld, P.,
priateness, and perspective.
Fishman, B., Krajcik, J., & Marx, R.
(2001). Devices are ready-at-hand.
◆ Technology can be a powerful tool for
Retrieved from www.handheld.hice-dev.org/
assembling, modifying, assessing, and
readyAtHand.htm.
studying information; manipulating
Valdez, G., McNabb, M., Foertsch, M.,
data; and generating new knowledge
Anderson, M., Hawkes, M., & Raack,
and deep understanding.
L. (2000). Computer-based technology
◆ Technology enables learners to commu-
and learning: Evolving uses and expec-
tations. Retrieved from www.ncrel.org/
nicate in new ways with their peers,
tplan/cbtl/toc.htm.
News Wire
◆2
Handheld Technology: The Basics
What is a Handheld Computer?
Handheld computers include those devices originally referred
to as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and others that have
evolved from that concept. These devices now offer many more
computing functions than the original PDAs, which mainly in-
cluded calendars, address books, and “to do” lists. These devices
range in size from those that fit into one hand and use a stylus
for input to those with keyboards that are approximately 1⁄2 to 1⁄3
the size of a typical laptop. The term palmtop is occasionally
used—referring to the natural progression from desktop to lap-
top to palmtop—however, palmtop can be confused with the
brand name Palm™, so now the more popular term for these
devices is handheld computer or handheld device.
How They Evolved
Apple Computer, Inc. developed the
Apple Newton™ in 1993. The company
introduced it as the first PDA and sold it
as the ultimate information appliance.
John Sculley, former chairman of Apple,
predicted PDAs would become ubiqui-
tous tools that would hold telephone
numbers, keep calendars, store notes,
and send and receive data wirelessly.
Unfortunately, the Newton was ahead of
its time and did not find a market large
enough to survive.
In 1996, Palm, Inc. delivered the first
How They Work
truly successful handheld computer, the
Palm Pilot. This device helped people or-
Operating Systems—While there are many
ganize their lives by providing instant,
handheld manufacturers in the market
anytime access to schedules, important
these days, there are really only two ma-
phone numbers, addresses, “to do” lists,
jor operating systems in direct competi-
and other key information. The business
tion at the time of this publication: the
world quickly embraced the small and
Palm OS‚ (used by Palm, Handspring,
powerful Palm handhelds.
and Sony manufacturers to name a few)
and Windows CE/Pocket PC (used by
Because of the popularity of the Palm
Hewlett Packard, Compaq, Casio, NEC,
Pilot, several other manufacturers began
Toshiba, etc.). In general, the Palm OS
releasing their own PDA devices. These
represents a more basic approach, and
devices utilized a new operating system
the devices are cheaper. The Windows
from Microsoft called Windows CE, which
CE/Pocket PC system is more robust,
was basically a scaled-back version of
and the devices are generally more ex-
the Windows desktop environment. The
pensive and, due to their more complex
most recent version of Windows CE is
system, require more technical support.
now called Pocket PC.
Currently, handheld devices using the
Palm OS have approximately 75% of the
Most of the producers of PDA-type de-
market share; however, there are advan-
vices are trying to encourage the public
tages and disadvantages to both operat-
to think of these devices not as PDAs but
ing systems, and the decision to use one
as handheld computers. Many producers
or the other depends upon users’ needs.
are not only adding on computer-type
Other handheld operating systems being
capabilities but also combining their de-
used today include Symbian, used in
vices with other electronics, such as
wireless phones, cameras, and probes.
(continued next page)
News Wire
◆3
Expansion and Peripherals:
cellular phone technology; RIM, used in the
BlackBerry™ line of handheld devices; and the Psion
Adding On
EPOC system.
Input—There are a number of options for entering data
into a handheld, depending on the model:
The original handheld devices were most often
used exclusively as personal data assistants
◆ Onscreen keyboard—The user punches letters
(PDAs) to hold telephone numbers and addresses,
and numbers on an onscreen representation of a
keep calendars, and store notes. Manufacturers
standard keyboard.
began to realize the benefits of adding peripherals
◆ Character recognition program—The user
to increase the functionality and desirability of
“handwrites” data using the stylus (e.g., Graffiti for
the simple PDAs. Below is a listing of some of the
Palm OS and Character Recognizer for Windows
devices available for handheld computers.
CE/Pocket PC).
◆ Portable keyboards:
◆ Synchronizing—Since handhelds don’t have floppy
◆ Palm OS compatible resources
drives to transfer data and programs, they must be
◆ www.palm.com
“synched” with a desktop/notebook computer. This
◆ www.targus.com
is done with a program installed on both devices
◆ www.seiko.com
(HotSync for Palm OS and ActiveSync for Windows
◆ www.landware.com
CE/Pocket PC) and a connection between the de-
◆ www.fellowes.com
vices. Depending on the model, this can be done
◆ www.ibizcorp.com
using a cradle, a cable connection, or wirelessly.
◆ Windows CE compatible resources
During synching, schedule and address book infor-
◆ www.landware.com
mation, e-mails, and other specified data are
◆ www.ibizcorp.com
shared between the devices. Synching is also used
◆ www.hp.com
to install new software on a handheld device.
◆ www.targus.com
◆ Memory-stick—The latest models of the Palm OS
◆ Digital camera attachments:
technology allow data to be shared through mem-
◆ Palm OS compatible resources
ory sticks. These postage-stamp-size memory
◆ www.eyemodule.com
modules can be easily inserted into the handheld
◆ www.kodak.com
unit for access to pre-recorded applications and
◆ www.sonystyle.com/micros/clie
data or used to store additional data as one would
◆ www.targus.com
with a floppy disk or CD-ROM.
◆ Windows CE compatible resources
◆ Infrared port—Most handhelds have an infrared
◆ www.casio.com
port that allows users to “beam” or wirelessly
◆ www.nexian.com
transfer programs and data between handheld
◆ Optical accessories (barcode
devices. The infrared port is considered by many
scanners):
to be a major advantage in educational use. This
◆ Palm OS compatible resources
process requires a fairly close proximity between
◆ www.symbol.com
the devices and a clear line of sight.
◆ Windows CE compatible resources
◆ External keyboard—There are many models that
◆ www.socketcom.com
attach to handhelds to allow full-size typing
◆ Wireless telecommunications
capabilities.
accessories (modems and devices):
◆ Other peripherals—Data can also be input with
◆ Palm OS compatible resources
probes, modems, network cards, cameras, and
◆ www.palmgear.com
many other add-on peripherals.
◆ www.novatelwireless.com
◆ www.synchroscan.com
Output—There are also many ways to output data
◆ www.red-m.com
from handhelds:
◆ www1.sprintpcs.com
◆ Screen—Screens are the most common output
◆ www.handspring.com
method for handhelds, and they vary widely in size,
◆ Windows CE compatible resources
resolution, and readability.
◆ www.pretec.com
◆ www.novatelwireless.com
◆ Infrared port—See Input above.
◆ www.targus.com
◆ Synchronizing—Data can be sent from the
◆ Accessory to connect handheld to
handheld back to desktop computers for further
digital projector or VGA display:
manipulation.
◆ Palm OS and Windows CE compatible
◆ Peripherals—Data can be output to peripherals,
◆ www.margi.com
such as memory sticks, modems, network cards,
and printers. ◆
News Wire
◆4
An Overview of
Wireless Networking
One of the advan-
Bluetooth™—Bluetooth is a wireless
tages of handheld
solution with a 30-meter radius range.
technologies is
Bluetooth works well for hard cable re-
their mobility.
placement, and, therefore, printing is
However, in order
likely to be the most important Bluetooth
to be truly “mo-
application. Bluetooth supports Ethernet,
bile,” it is im-
but because of its slow speed, it is not a
portant to think
typical use. Bluetooth supports voice,
about Internet access, and this leads us
and this flexibility is likely to yield some
into the world of wireless communications.
popular applications that relate to auto-
mated phone switching between cellular
In general, wireless is a term used to re-
and land-line service. Bluetooth is also
fer to network-type communications that
likely to be the technology used to enable
take place without physical connections
cashless vending machines and other
(wires), but there are many types of wire-
purchases through cell phones or other
less access.
Bluetooth-enabled devices. There are
One type of wireless is cellular, which is
new Bluetooth cards available for Palm
the same technology that is used with
handhelds, and some of the early appli-
mobile phones. This type of wireless com-
cations for these are geared toward
munication is typically used to facilitate
document collaboration.
long distance communications, such as
802.11b (also known as Wi-Fi or wire-
phone calls. Examples of this type of wire-
less Ethernet)—802.11b is a protocol
less use include mobile phones, pagers,
used for wireless networking. It is great
BlackBerry™ devices, and Internet access
for locations like older school buildings
via a handheld, such as a Palm or Hand-
that are difficult (or expensive) to wire.
spring device. This type of service typi-
The range for this technology is typically
cally incurs a monthly service fee, which
150–300 meters in radius and supports
can range from $20 a month and up, de-
up to 11 megabit data rates, which is
pending on the nature of the service.
very fast for Internet access and other
Handhelds that use this technology in-
applications. This is the
clude Palm’s i705 handheld, Handspring’s
technology that Apple is
Treo communicator, and various other
using for its AirPort sys-
devices and add-on modules that have
tem, which is very popular
wireless modems.
with schools. Xircom (a
Another type of wireless
division of Intel) makes Wi-
can be used to facilitate
Fi modules for a variety of
localized communica-
handhelds. Some Pocket
tions. Typically, this type
PC handhelds come with
of wireless allows a de-
Wi-Fi capability built-in.
vice, such as a computer,
Home RF—This is a wire-
to connect to a LAN with-
less networking protocol
out a cable connection.
similar to 802.11b that is
An important thing to
compatible with Ethernet
note about this technol-
but is considerably slower
ogy is that it goes
at 2 megabit. One advan-
through walls and up
tage of Home RF is that it
and down stairs, so there
is designed to carry voice
aren’t the line of sight
data. However, it is waning
issues that exist with in-
in popularity and is not
frared technology.
currently compatible with
There are three main va-
Macintosh computers.
rieties of this technology:
(continued next page)
News Wire
◆5
There are two basic configurations that
cards are typically around $100–$400
can be used for local wireless access—
each. Prices are expected to drop as the
peer-to-peer and infrastructure. Peer-to-
technology matures and economies of
peer does not require a central access
scale are achieved.
point; it works from device to device. In-
frastructure uses a central access point
Bluetooth was designed to use peer-to-
or base station that connects to the net-
peer communications and is typically
work and can serve multiple devices
used this way; however, recently, the
within the specified radius.
notion of an access point has been
added for Bluetooth installations.
802.11b supports both peer-to-peer and
infrastructure use, but it is typically
It is important to know that these vari-
implemented as infrastructure. In order
ous protocols are not compatible with
to set up 802.11b in this way, two types
each other. It is also important to recog-
of hardware are typically used: a base
nize that within one type of technology,
station or access point and a device card.
not all access points are compatible with
There may be one or more access points,
all device cards. Because this is an
depending on how large the service area
emerging technology, compatibility test-
is. The device card goes into each device
ing of components is vital. ◆
(computer, handheld, etc.) that is to have
wireless access. Typically, these device
©K12 Handhelds Copyrighted by K12
cards are in the form of a PC card or
Handhelds. May not be reprinted without written
other similar device. Access points can
permission from K12 Handhelds,
cost from $179–$500 and up. Device
info@k12handhelds.com.
Resources for Wireless Networks in Schools
Becoming a Wireless Campus—www.thejournal.com/magazine/vault/A3482.cfm
Bluetooth Group—www.bluetooth.com
eSchoolNews Report on Wireless Networking (free, but requires a sign-up)—
www.eschoolnews.com/resources/reports/wireless0801
Three Reasons to Consider Wireless Networking—
www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStory.cfm?ArticleID=1460
WiFi-WECA site—www.wi-fi.org
Wireless Laptops and Local Area Networks—www.thejournal.com/magazine/vault/A3536.cfm
News Wire
◆6
If you are thinking about buying a handheld, here are some technology considerations
to keep in mind as you make your decision.
Size, Weight, Appearance
❏ How will you be carrying your handheld? Pocket, briefcase, purse? Since
portability is the key advantage of handhelds, the device should be light and
small enough so that you will take it with you. (If you are going to take it with
you, does it have a case to protect it while not in use?)
❏ Handheld technologies vary from palmtop size to those roughly half the size of a
laptop with a built-in keyboard. Which form factor makes the most sense for
your use?
❏ Is the appearance (color and design) of the
handheld device important to you?
Changeable Battery vs.
Cradle-Charging System
Which is best for your specific situation?
❏ Some devices use a number of batteries,
Considerations
such as AAA, and you should always carry
extras when traveling.
❏ Others contain rechargeable batteries that
get their charge when the device is plugged
When Buying
into the cradle or optional portable charging
adapter.
❏ Consider the average battery life.
a Handheld
Capability vs. Ease of Use
Which operating system will suit your needs?
❏ In general, devices using the Palm operating
system are less expensive and simpler to use,
but include less built-in multimedia
capabilities.
❏ Devices using the Pocket PC operating
system are more expensive, may be more
complex to use, and may require more
technical support; however, they include
more functionality including built-in
multimedia support.
❏ Consider which platform most of the peers
with whom you will possibly be sharing data use.
Memory
How much memory does the device have?
❏ For Palm OS devices, 8 MB will be adequate for most users. Pocket PC device
users will require more memory because of the operating system requirements.
❏ Is the memory upgradeable if it becomes necessary?
(continued next page)
News Wire
◆7
Available Software
Screen Display
What do you want to do with your
Is color display important to you?
handheld?
❏ With most handheld devices, color
❏ Just as with desktop computers,
displays are more readable, but
the real power of handheld devices
monochrome displays require less
comes from the software applications
power so batteries last longer.
you are able to add.
❏ What is the screen resolution?
❏ In terms of sheer volume, the Palm
Active Matrix color screens are
OS is the clear leader, with the
typically higher in resolution and
software library for Pocket PC
richer in color, depth, and
slowly improving. It doesn’t matter
brightness in various light
how many programs are available,
conditions.
but whether or not the programs
❏ Does the handheld have a
you need are available.
backlight?
❏ Basic desktop-type programs (data-
❏ How “readable” is the screen?
bases, presentation tools, document
readers, etc.) are generally available
❏ Where will you be using this device
on both platforms; however, as you
most of the time? Be sure to
start to look for more specialized
consider the lighting conditions
applications, Palm OS devices have
(indoor under different lighting,
the advantage again.
outdoor in direct sunlight, etc.).
Peripherals
Cost
What kind of peripherals do you need?
What is the cost of the handheld?
❏ Do you need digital cameras,
❏ What are the up-front purchase
modems, telephones, wireless
costs of the handheld device?
Ethernet expansion, bar code
❏ What are the costs for related
scanners, projection modules,
things like software, expansion
scientific data sensors, etc.?
modules, and accessories?
❏ Is the device Internet capable?
Internet capability may be added
through landline or wireless and
may be built-in or added through
expansion.
References for Buying Handhelds
Buyer’s Guide to Handhelds. (2002). ZDNet Reviews.
Retrieved from www.zdnet.com/products/stories/reviews/0,4161,2585429,00.html.
CNET Handheld Buying Advisor. (2002). CNET. Retrieved from
http://computers.cnet.com/hardware/0-5043347-7-
6163347.html?tag=st.co.14448.bhed.5043347-7-6163347.
CNET Handheld Hardware Comparative Reviews. (2002). CNET. Retrieved
from http://computers.cnet.com/hardware/0-14448.html?tag=st.co.1087.more.14448.
PDA Buyer’s Guide. (2001, November). pdaED.com. Retrieved from
www.pdaed.com/vertical/tutorials/buyersguide2.xml.
What to Look For in a Handheld. (2002). CNET. Retrieved from
http://computers.cnet.com/hardware/0-2645869-7-1480993.html?tag=dir.
News Wire
◆8
Educational Advantages
Why are educators considering purchasing handheld technologies for school use?
The educational advantages of handhelds over full-sized, varied-functioning comput-
ers range from cost to size to ease of use. The list below is a good initial set of reasons
to consider handheld devices for your school.
◆ Cost—Handhelds usually range in
large reference materials in a
price from as low as $100 to as
portable format.
high as $1,000 depending upon the
◆ Ubiquitous access—Users can carry
capabilities. A basic handheld for the
them in pockets, backpacks,
typical student can be found in the
purses, and briefcases and always
$100–$300 range, with educational
have access to information and
discounts available for large
programs.
quantities.
◆ Ownership—Because of the feeling of
◆ Mobility—This is possibly one of the
ownership, along with the “cool
biggest advantages, since handhelds
factor,” students take care of the
can be taken practically anywhere
devices so they don’t lose the
instead of being confined to the lab or
privilege of using them.
classroom. Because there is no need
for electrical connections while it’s
◆ Access—Because of the relatively low
being used, it can be used outside or
cost, entire classroom sets of hand-
while traveling.
held devices can be purchased for
the price of three or four desktop
◆ Wireless—The ability to transfer or
computers and can provide access to
share data and programs wirelessly
many more students for much longer
overcomes the need for a more hard-
time spans.
wired infrastructure and adds to the
mobility.
◆ Collaboration and Sharing—Beaming has
been found to be an extremely
◆ Size—This really provides a number of
effective technique for encouraging
benefits:
students to work together and share
◆ Physical storage of devices—
information.
Because of their small size, it’s
◆ Simplicity/Ease of Use—Particularly
not necessary to have a separate
with the more basic educational
lab for a classroom set.
applications, teachers do not have to
◆ Media storage—Devices can be
spend a lot of time teaching students
loaded with electronic versions of
how to use them. ◆
References for Educational Advantages
Pfeifer, R. S. (2001, May). Beaming your school into the 21st century. [Electronic version]
Principal Leadership (High School Ed.), 1(9), 30–4. Retrieved from www.principals.org/news/
beamingschool.html.
Along with examples of uses of handheld computers in a Maryland high school,
a number of advantages of using handheld computers are discussed.
Soloway, E. (2001, April). Making palm-sized computers the PC of choice for K–12.
[Electronic version]. Learning and Leading with Technology, 28(7), 32–34, 56–57.
Retrieved from www.iste.org/L&L/archive/vol28/no7.
Describes how palm-sized computers, outfitted with suitable software, can provide
the K–12 community with personal, pervasive access to networked computational
resources to support student learning. The benefits of using palm-sized computers
to support collaboration, sharing, and revision are discussed.
News Wire
◆9
Educational Concerns
Introducing handheld technologies into the school program has some potential concerns.
These technologies may be small, but small does not always mean simple and easy. Con-
sider the issues below before deciding that handheld technologies are right for your school.
◆ Compatibility—Palm OS and Windows
and staff on the proper and effective
CE/Pocket PC devices are not
use of handheld technologies? Even
compatible. While some data can be
though handhelds tend to be less
interchanged, programs cannot. The
complicated in use, a level of profes-
other compatibility issue comes into
sional development and orientation is
play when a desktop computer is
required to fully utilize the technology.
involved. While some programs support
◆ Replacement Issues—This includes con-
both desktop platforms, in general,
cerns about durability and warranties.
more handheld applications are written
to work with Windows desktop
◆ Safety—Little is known about the
computers than with Macintosh.
handheld computer’s possible impact
on students’ health, such as
◆ Cheating—By using an infrared port
eyestrain and carpal tunnel effects.
similar to that of a TV remote control,
handheld computers can beam infor-
◆ Screen Readability—Even the largest
mation to other handhelds. This al-
handheld device has a small screen-
lows students to share information
viewing area. The issues here really
easily, but it also raises the possibility
revolve around the intended use of
of cheating since students can beam
the device (extensive reading vs.
answers to each other. Fortunately,
quick formula calculation), the
with most handhelds, there are ways
physical location of its use (lighting),
to restrict beaming for this very rea-
and the age of the user.
son. With these unique concerns in
◆ Screen Size—Not just readability of text
mind, your school may want to revisit
but also many graphics, such as
acceptable use policies to ensure that
charts and graphs, do not translate
potential issues are addressed. Most
well to the small size screen.
guidelines applied to the use of the
Internet and classroom computers
◆ Security—There are a number of
can be adapted to the use of wireless
security issues involved:
handheld technologies.
◆ Theft—One of the biggest advan-
◆ Distraction—The very versatility of
tages of handhelds—their size—
handheld devices also makes them
also makes them prone to theft.
highly conducive to off-task behavior,
◆ Data—Developers are scrambling to
such as game playing or Web surfing.
build in data security safeguards
◆ Effectiveness/Research—At present, we
like those in place for desktop
don’t really know how the use of
computers, but it’s a new field,
these devices affects student achieve-
with new concerns.
ment. They haven’t been around long
◆ Viruses—Yes, they exist for hand-
enough for many extensive studies.
helds, too. Although not in the
◆ Infrastructure—Although handheld
large numbers experienced by
computers are not expensive, peri-
desktop users, viruses are
pherals such as keyboards, cameras,
increasing, and virus protection
cases, styli, and hardware modules
programs for handhelds are
must also be purchased. Decisions
becoming more popular.
about who needs what equipment
◆ Tech Support—They need to be
must be made. Software must be
fixed in a timely manner for effective
added and regularly upgraded.
use. On the plus side, it’s not too
◆ Ownership—Who will own the
expensive to have some “loaners”
handhelds? Students or schools?
available as a quick fix, which isn’t
really a viable option with larger,
◆ Professional Development—What resources
more expensive desktop models. ◆
are available for training both student
News Wire
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10
References for Educational Concerns
Pownell, D. (2001, June). Getting a Handle on Handhelds. Electronic School. Retrieved from
www.electronic-school.com/2001/06/0601handhelds.html.
Suggests questions to ask about leadership, teaching and learning, staff develop-
ment, technology support, planning, infrastructure, safety, ethics, evaluation,
security, curriculum, change, and equity regarding the use of handheld computers
in the classroom.
Robertson, S. I. (1997, July). The use and effectiveness of palmtop computers in education.
British Journal of Educational Technology, 28, 177–189.
Researchers present a few problems educators found when using handhelds in the
classroom (screen size, limited memory, theft of device, lost files, lack of training).
Student Teachers and High School
Seniors Beam the Internet
Seniors in an English class at New Hanover High School (NHHS) in Wilmington,
North Carolina, have a totally different approach to Senior Project papers and stu-
dent teacher interns. As part of the Technology for Reflection and Assessment Coali-
tion, a Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) grant at the Watson
School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNC-W), the
NHHS seniors used the Hewlett Packard Jornada handheld wireless technology to
collect and organize information for their assigned papers.
Amy Hawk, one of the student teacher interns from UNC-W, used 30 Jornadas
with her senior English class. The seniors used the Jornada’s word processing
application and its wireless Internet connection to develop a letter of intent on
the research paper topic, conduct Internet research on the topic, participate in
class literature research activities, and produce a final product. With the capa-
bility to beam their work to the school network and to access the Internet
wirelessly whenever they wanted, the students completed their Senior Project
papers in less time than their counterparts who used the school computer lab.
Ms. Hawk also used the Jornadas with her sophomore English class. They used
the Jornadas for word processing and Internet research as well as for class ac-
tivities to create their own Anglo Saxon riddles.
Using the handheld technology in the English classes was a new but exciting experi-
ence for the student-teacher intern and is one of the UNC-W PT3 project goals of
accelerating the infusion of technology throughout the teacher preparation program.
Ms. Hawk reported that, for the students, the handheld devices were efficient and
effective ways to manage their research and writing time and to provide greater ac-
cess time to the Internet than using the one
school computer lab. For her as a student-
teacher intern, the devices provided instant
availability to search the Web during class ac-
tivities and an incentive to incorporate technol-
ogy into her teaching. She noted that it is
important that school administrators support
using handheld technologies in teaching and
learning and believe that students will benefit
from the experience. This was certainly true at
New Hanover High School, and it was a factor
in the success of the project. ◆
News Wire
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11
Administrative Applications
22. Track, organize, and control
inventories and safety information
1.
Keep your schedule
for chemicals in the lab
2.
Track student progress on specific
23. Let students have constant access to
skills
their current grades (very
3.
Conduct authentic assessment
motivating!)
4.
Use a calculator
24. Track teacher recruiting activities
5.
Make a database of key content and
25. Access human resources benefits
concepts for student use
information
6.
Take attendance
26. Look up technical troubleshooting
7.
Instantly access student
information
information, such as schedules,
27. Keep emergency procedures and
demographics, or parent contacts
checklists readily accessible
8.
Organize your reading lists
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
9.
Take notes at a meeting
Communication and Collaboration
10. Record and tabulate grades
Applications
11. Track computer hardware and
software inventory
28. Send an e-mail
12. Enhance school safety with bar code
29. Schedule school meetings as a group
passes
30. Collaborate on a graphic organizer
13. Access lesson plans
31. Send a fax
14. Use a rubric to assess and score
32. Make a presentation
student work
33. Make a phone call
15. Access a database of curriculum
34. Distribute school activity
standards and related curriculum
information to students and parents
resources
35. Send assignment information home
16. Keep an inventory of books and
to parents
materials
36. Exchange information with a
17. Store and track student IEPs
colleague
18. Track technical support requests
37. Have students beam in an
19. Keep a list of all your important
assignment
contacts
38. Get parents’ sign-offs
20. Evaluate student teacher perfor-
39. Share a downloaded Web page with
mance and record observation notes
someone
21. Access a library book list
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12
40. Transfer a file from your PC for
75. Send and receive individual or class
instant access
questions
41. Write an eBook and share it with
76. Gather data on transportation use,
others
food intake, and energy use to gauge
42. Track and exchange data on team
ecological impact
activities
77. Make a timeline
43. Receive instant messages
78. Look up a word in a thesaurus
44. Conduct group writing activities
79. Create an outline
45. Record voice notes
80. Study for a test
46. Transmit close captioning of lectures
81. Give students step-by-step
for the hearing impaired
instructions or visual plans for
47. Access online educational events
projects
82. Keep a journal
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
83. See real-time data and graphs of
Teaching and Learning Applications
position, velocity, and acceleration
48. Take and store digital photos for a
change over time
report
84. Access writing prompts
49. Make a spreadsheet
85. Learn to read and write Japanese
50. Draw a picture
characters
51. Make a concept map summarizing a
86. Download notes for a research paper
chapter
87. Practice multiplication tables
52. Form, visualize, and solve equations
88. Access the periodic table
53. Keep track of your class schedules
89. Use a glossary of technical terms
54. Take notes on a field trip
90. Look at reference diagrams on parts
55. Read an eBook
of the human body
56. Find locations with a GPS
91. Play a collaborative problem-solving
game to learn about genetics
57. Take field notes by GPS location
92. Listen to and study classical music
58. Graph data
93. Build a robot controlled by a
59. View maps
handheld device
60. Organize your assignments
94. Use a stopwatch to track times
61. Gather data on temperature, light,
95. Read about the latest current events
voltage, pH, and more with data
probes
96. Access notes from a class lecture
62. Program your own handheld
97. Create a map using GPS data
application
98. Listen to and practice pronunciation
63. Give (or take) a quiz
with a voice recorder (English
language learners)
64. Look up a word in a dictionary
99. Have classes create their own mobile
65. Use flashcards
information channels to share
66. Use a tutorial for self-study
information with other classes or the
67. Do homework
community
68. Write a report
100. Create a database on endangered
species
69. Take notes in class
101. Read historical primary source
70. Complete a worksheet
documents
71. Study a foreign language
72. Listen to reenactments of historic
©K12 Handhelds Copyrighted by K12 Handhelds.
speeches
May not be reprinted without written permission
73. Play a game that simulates the
from K12 Handhelds, info@k12handhelds.com.
transfer of viruses
74. Do research on the Web
News Wire
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13
Picture This!
An exciting and innovative unit is begin-
The job of interviewing several experts
ning in Mr. Maxwell’s class. The students
is assigned to four students—Carla, Beth,
are eager to find out what the topic for
Matt, and Jeremy. They access the
this week’s research project will be. While
Internet’s yellow pages to find some ex-
the students synchronize their handheld
perts in the community and then make a
computers, the details of their assignment
list of questions they will ask each expert.
are provided along with rubrics for evalu-
ating their final work. Mr. Maxwell
Carla and Matt make
gives them an overview of the
appointments
topic and then helps them get
with a well-
started with their work. The stu-
known expert,
dents are pleased to have the
Dr. Stewart
outline and the rubrics avail-
Thrift, from the
able whenever
phone attached to
they need
the Mr. Maxwell’s
them.
handheld. When
Dr. Thrift arrives
The class is
at the school,
divided into
they
several
record
teams. Team
their
members brain-
inter-
storm the topic and
views
organize the informa-
using their
tion they already know
handheld’s audio
as well as the information
module and then take
they want to know using a
the recordings back to the
concept map on their
classroom to edit for the rest of the
handheld. When they are finished, they
group. Beth also snaps a few pictures of
divide the work to be done, and pairs of
Dr. Thrift and some of the artifacts he
students take responsibility for gathering
brought with him using the digital cam-
different kinds of information on their
era attached to her handheld computer.
handheld computers to bring back to the
group. They use the calendar function of
Meanwhile, Beth and Jeremy find that
the handheld to set deadlines for gather-
one of the teachers in the school, Mr.
ing information, for creating a draft re-
Samuel Justice, is also an expert on the
port, and for the final review by all team
topic. They e-mail him from their hand-
members. They set alarms to remind
held computer, and he responds that
them of deadlines and create “to do” lists
he’d be willing to answer any questions,
for the whole project and for each pair of
but it would be easiest for him to work
students.
by e-mail. The next morning, they find
his answers waiting for them when they
Maria and Jermaine are responsible for
check their e-mail on their handheld
finding appropriate images for the topic.
computer. They export the e-mail to a
They head to the media center and search
word processor and edit the interview.
for clip art and public domain images,
download them to the computer, convert
Robbie and Barbara use their handhelds
them to images for their handheld, and
to search for specific information on the
make notes, including the citations, about
Internet right from their classroom. They
each image.
summarize the information using the
word processing program on one of their
Margaret and Bill create a vocabulary
handheld computers.
list by consulting with each team, doing
some basic library research, and typing
Miguel and Sarah find that their school
their notes into their handheld comput-
has several books on the topic, and the
ers; they use their handheld computer
media specialist helps them download
dictionary and thesaurus modules to
the electronic book version of one critical
create a glossary for the project.
News Wire
◆
14
work to their handhelds so that they can
student and recording their progress
review it in the classroom.
against the standards and benchmarks
the district curriculum requires.
Sydney and Logan collect data from a
variety of sources, including probeware
Time to begin a new project? The stu-
they borrow from the science teacher.
dents are ready to take on new roles
They enter the data into a spreadsheet
and responsibilities. As long as they
program on their handhelds and then
have their handheld computers, they
calculate and sort the data. They use
know they can do the job. ◆
this data to generate several charts and
graphs for use in their final report.
The team beams information to each
More Uses, Ideas, Software, and Case
other from time to time so that they all
share the information that each person
Studies for Handhelds in Education
has found. Using one of the classroom
computers and a presentation template,
Center for Highly Interactive
they each create a portion of the presen-
Computing in Education (Hi-Ce),
tation and then combine the portions
University of Michigan—www.hi-ce.org
into one final product. They refer to the
Reports on the Center’s development
document on their handhelds that con-
of a variety of free handheld
tains the rubrics Mr. Maxwell provided,
applications for education
checking each item to be sure they have
included everything required.
K12 Handhelds—
www.k12handhelds.com/casestudy
Now it’s time to show the presentation.
Provides case studies on the use of
They send the presentation over the
handhelds in education
school network to the presentation-
station handheld and take turns explain-
Palm in Education—
ing their findings to the rest of the class.
www.palm.com/education
Their classmates evaluate the presenta-
tion and beam their results to Mr. Max-
Includes case studies, programs,
well, who adds his comments and then
research, and resources
shares them with the team. To be sure
PEP Ideabank—
each student has mastered the basics of
www.palmgrants.sri.com/ideabank.html
the topic, Mr. Maxwell prepares a short
quiz with true-false, multiple choice, short
Provides links and innovative ideas
answer, and one challenging essay ques-
for using handhelds in education
tion on his computer. The students down-
load the quiz, and when they take it, the
handheld locks out access to any other
information on the device until they have
beamed the answers to the teacher.
All the students are excited about what
they have learned and prepare a Web
page to share their presentations with
their parents and the community. Mr.
Maxwell e-mails the parents with the URL
and invites them to access the students’
work. Sydney’s mother gets the e-mail on
her handheld computer on her way home
from a business trip and, while waiting at
the airport, takes a look at the class’s
work. She is proud of her daughter and
tells her so when she gets home. She e-
mails the teacher as well. Mr. Maxwell
receives the e-mail just as he finishes
synchronizing his handheld computer
with his desktop computer, transferring
the grades and comments for each
News Wire
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15
Using Handheld Technologies
in Schools
The Beaufort County Schools (South Carolina) and the Johnston County Schools (North
Carolina) have both undertaken pilot projects involving the use of handhelds in the class-
room. In the following interview, Cyndi Pride, Beaufort County Schools’ Curriculum and
Instruction Technology Specialist, and Diana Skinner, Johnston County Schools’ Technol-
ogy Director, share their experiences with their handheld technologies projects and offer
some lessons learned. The experiences of these two districts provide insight and guid-
ance for others interested in this use of technology.
Beaufort County Schools Project
Johnston County Schools Project
◆ 270 students in grades 4–12
◆ 5 schools, 60 students per site
◆ Participants included:
◆ All district principals (32)
◆ All technology leaders (32)
◆ 35 media coordinators
◆ Superintendent’s Administrative
Cabinet members (6)
SEIR◆TEC: Why did your school district initiate a project on using
handheld technologies in the classroom?
Diana: Both the Assistant Superintendent
Cyndi: Our first handheld technologies
for Technology, E.D.
program involved teach-
Hall, and I had owned a
ers and grew out of the
Palm Pilot for a number
recognition that the
of years and had become
handheld, long used in
addicted to the tool.
business applications,
Upon reading articles
could provide a means
from professional jour-
for teachers to have one
nals and visiting vendors
ready-at-hand tool to
at conferences, we pur-
collect and manage digital data about
chased some devices and experimented
teaching activities and student learn-
with them for educational value. I pre-
ing. The handheld would provide the
pared a PowerPoint presentation to an-
teachers with a means to more easily
swer questions regarding use, cost,
collate student information into a
and educational value that I then
meaningful report, eliminating double
showed to teachers and administra-
entry and reiterative behaviors. Placing
tors. We applied to be a Palm Educa-
handhelds into the hands of students
tion Training Provider (PETP) trainer
seems to be a logical next step. The
and attended training conducted by
handheld promotes equity in access at
Palm in May 2001 in San Jose, Califor-
an affordable price, allowing us to
nia. Endowed with a lot of
bring more technology into the class-
resources and materials,
room. The size and portability allows
probes, software, and train-
for ease of movement from class to
ing materials, we began our
class and promotes use in the field.
initiative in summer 2001.
Although the size and weight of the
handhelds would seem to increase the
chance of technology “walking out the
E.D. Hall
door,” this has not been an issue.
News Wire
◆
16
SEIR◆TEC: Tell us about your project: goals, who is/was participating,
how long it has been/was in operation, and products you used.
Diana: Our pilot this year has been investigative and administrative in nature. We have
placed 30 Palms in the hands of fifth-graders, sixth-graders, eighth-graders, and
eleventh-graders with a different curriculum focus for each grade. The Palms have
been used for language arts, math, science, computer skills, and writing assign-
ments. We are also investigating their use as a communication device between
home and school. All principals, media coordinators, technology leaders, and most
Advanced Placement teachers have Palms, as do our central office administrators.
This is a study to remove paper (for example, meeting agendas), to share informa-
tion and technology tips, and to access data as a PDA. Administrators are accessing
student information; parents and students are accessing homework and school cal-
endars, and teachers are accessing observation notes. We began in September 2001
with administrative training and in October with training of students and teachers.
We are using a variety of Palm products—m100, m105, m505, 111c, and 5vx. Our
software varies by curriculum, but we all use Docs To Go, PiCo Maps, Imageware,
Notepad, Handy Sheets, and Cooties.
Cyndi: The goal of our first project (Assessment…It’s in
the Palm of Your Hand) was to provide teachers with
a tool (Palm) to assist them in managing data from a
variety of assessments to gain a better picture of
student learning and thus to guide instruction.
Nineteen teachers participated in the program, be-
ginning in February 2001, with a review of litera-
ture on the topic of assessment. Training was
provided in the mechanics of using the Palm, in-
cluding entering information, synchronizing the
Palm, and transferring data from one application (for example, the Memo Pad) to
another (for example, a Word document). Teachers used the basic Palm applica-
tions, a spreadsheet application, and Teacher’s P.E.T., a grade book and learning
management program. Additionally, each teacher reviewed and evaluated other
software that might be applicable in a teaching environment. At the beginning of
our project, there were only a few software applications specifically for educators,
but now more are available, as developers have discovered this unique niche. Titles
that were reviewed include Learner Profile to Go, Thought Manager, and Praesto
Grade, to name a few. The teachers met weekly through the spring and continue to
meet monthly, to share information, ideas, tips, and tricks.
As a recipient of a Palm Education Pioneer (PEP) Research Hub Grant, Beaufort
County School District was able to expand the program to include students in the
fall of 2001. Two hundred
seventy students in
grades 4–12 use Palm
Pilots to determine if the
Palm helps students be
more cognizant of their
achievement because of
the opportunity for self-
assessment in project-
based learning activities.
We have three different
models in the program:
classes where students
are issued Palms and use
them at school and at
home, class sets of Palms
that are shared by several
students for special
projects, and daily
(continued next page)
News Wire
◆
17
in-class use of Palms by assigned students. Teachers and students make extensive
use of freeware, such as Hi-Ce’s PiCo Map and Cooties (www.handheld.hice-dev.org), Big
Clock, and Diddlebug. As the program evolves, and new software applications are
developed, we expect that schools will begin to budget for additional software. Some
of our schools have augmented the Palms with peripherals including keyboards,
digital cameras, and probeware. Several of our schools have purchased additional
Palms for both student groups and teachers. Teachers in primary school class-
rooms are using the Palms, in part, to collect data for the South Carolina Readiness
Assessment. Additionally, we have two schools that have purchased class sets of
Pocket PCs, keyboards, and some wireless cards.
SEIR◆TEC: What was the reaction by
students to the handheld technologies?
Teachers? Administrators?
Diana: They love them and want more devices! Those
schools not involved in the pilot want to be in-
cluded. We have even had a few parents purchase
them for their students so the students did not
have to share the school-provided Palm. Everyone wants us to develop more grant
proposals to obtain more Palms!
Cyndi: Most users have met the handhelds with enthusiasm: teachers, administrators,
and students alike. All users appreciate the simplicity of the Palm interface and the
avenues for communication and collaboration that result from being able to beam
data from one Palm to another. Teachers, especially, appreciate the ability to carry
the Palm everywhere and to take or refer to notes anytime. Although some may
think this insignificant, teachers have commented that women’s clothing does not
always have pockets or belts, so some users carry alternatives, such as small
shoulder bags and special lanyards.
Administrators at several schools have also adopted handhelds. Administrators are
using both Palm OS and Pocket PC platforms. Administrators are interested in syn-
chronizing student information data (SASIxp) onto their handhelds for anytime/
anywhere access to student schedules, teacher schedules, bus assignments, and
discipline records. With few exceptions, our users find their Palms to be indispens-
able. I have even been treated to more than one round of applause from students
when introduced as the person who was responsible for the grant that got the stu-
dents the Palms!
SEIR◆TEC: Describe the training you conducted and tell us what
training you think is essential for anyone considering a handheld
implementation for the classroom.
Diana: Our training is systematic and thorough. Only two of us conduct initial training,
but teachers and technology leaders work with teachers and students at each grade
level. For phase one, it is extremely important that small groups are trained well
and supported as they have questions and develop ideas. We are producing a train-
ing manual and software recommendations as “must haves” to affect student learn-
ing and achievement. We will share these at conferences and with other counties in
North Carolina. You must have a cutting-edge team always ready to test the new
software and devices. Lessons we learned were to set and maintain standards, to
retain plenty of written documentation, to have clear objectives as to why to use the
Palms, to do follow-up training, and to adjust training as necessary.
Cyndi: Many of our users found that organized training for the Palm was not necessary,
but a few workshops were made available to less assured teachers, administrators,
and even board members. To get users started, we offered an introduction to the
Palm applications, buttons and screen views, preferences, creating and using catego-
News Wire
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18
ries, tapping, typing, and beaming. The second
workshop encompassed skills such as changing
settings for buttons, using the shortcut stroke, and
creating shortcut commands, phone lookup func-
tions, and menu options. During training sessions,
dialogue about classroom applications was encour-
aged, and tips and tricks were shared among us-
ers. Another training opportunity assisted users in
loading the Palm desktop software and synching
with Outlook and reviewed how to add programs to
the Palm. Although we didn’t have formal training
for specific software titles, the teachers met to share notes and assist each other
with these new applications. Teachers using the Pocket PC handhelds were able to
adjust to the CE versions of Word and Excel with little difficulty, once they under-
stood the mechanics of tapping and typing. Teachers using this platform met for
several hours to experiment with the tool and to brainstorm ways in which to use
the handheld with students in the classroom. They received instruction in the
class, along with the students, on how to connect to the network using wireless
cards. Each school has a lead teacher who assists other users if problems or ques-
tions arise. In some schools, the lead teacher received the handheld prior to other
teachers and had the opportunity to practice with its use and to participate in
training. The teachers became the primary instructors for their students. Some
teachers offered additional training for parents so they could use the Palm to corre-
spond with the teacher. In schools where the Palms go home with the students,
teachers and parents have begun to communicate with each other in the Memo Pad
application. Although training is not essential, it can help teachers maximize the
utility of the handheld. Several of our teachers and administrators had used their
Palms independently for a period of time, but many had not discovered special
timesaving features, such as how to create shortcuts and use the shortcut stroke to
make notations faster. Synchronizing the handheld and working with e-mail is
problematic for some users. Additional training may also be required for wireless
connectivity in future models.
SEIR◆TEC: What were the most successful
uses of the handheld technologies by
students? Teachers? Administrators?
Diana: For students, the most successful uses were
the calendar, PiCo maps, and probes. For teach-
ers, it was the Handy Sheets website with digital
worksheets for the Palm. Administrators really
used the Doc To Go for teacher performance
assessment.
Cyndi: One of the greatest benefits of the handheld is the ability to share information
via infrared. Our teachers and students have capitalized on this feature. In a drama
class, the teacher beamed scripts to the students in Memo Pad. Students also have
journal questions beamed to them frequently, which they respond to, and either
beam back their responses or sync their handhelds to the class computer. Beaming
allows students to work collaboratively as well. In one class, students built sen-
tences to review sentence structure and parts of speech. Students have also been
able to work collaboratively to share research findings. In classes where we have
used PCs connected to the Network, students were able to take notes from different
sites on the Internet and then share those, by beaming, with other students. Stu-
dents have also received a project “to do” list elaborating the steps of a project,
which they can check off as each phase is completed. Teachers and students have
worked together to define levels of accomplishment as a rubric for specific assign-
ments. This can be beamed to students for reference as they complete the task.
Students have used the Address Book feature to keep contact information for study
(continued next page)
News Wire
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19
buddies, and the calendar feature is used to track assignments. The alarm feature of
the calendar has been especially useful to remind students as long-term assignments
come close to their due date. The calculator is helpful as it eliminates the need for
another tool. Some math teachers have especially liked the fact that students can
view, copy, and paste “recent calculations” into a memo, where they can describe
their solution step-by-step. One high school teacher has used a demo version of
MathWorks (www.imagiworks.com) that allows the Palm to function like a graphing calcula-
tor. She plans to purchase this software for students next year.
SEIR◆TEC: What recommendations would you offer to schools and
districts considering implementing handheld technologies?
Diana: Even though we have only worked with the handhelds a short time, we highly
recommend a four-step process: pilot, support, train, and support some more. We
would also recommend gathering data and documenting and sharing the lessons
learned with others. This is how we have built justification for extending our project
and obtained new ideas to try.
Cyndi: The first decision schools or districts must make before implementing a program
is what handheld platform to purchase and support. Currently, we have programs
with each platform, and we will be reviewing the pros and cons for each as we move
forward. Another consideration in purchasing a handheld is power. Generally, it is
easier to recharge units than to constantly replace batteries. Schools will need to
plan for how they will recharge a number of units; however, the cradle or charging
cord is included in the purchase price. Although there is much to be gained in using
the handheld straight out of the box, peripheral equipment and optional software
greatly increase the utility of the technology. Therefore, planning for additional ex-
penses is wise. From our experience, we feel it is important that the first teachers
selected for the program have a basic comfort level with computer technology.
Synching to the computer and moving documents from memo pads to Word and
back might be intimidating to some teachers.
Although formal training does not seem to have been a key indicator of success in
using handhelds effectively in our projects, our teachers have commented that they
benefited greatly from having the opportunity to talk with other users and share
ideas. It has also proved helpful to have a designated point person in each building
who is well versed in the workings of the handheld platform selected for the school.
One other consideration is whether the handhelds will be used strictly in the class-
room and during the school day, perhaps on field trips, or whether they will go
home with students. ◆
News Wire
◆
20
Using eBooks on Handhelds
Electronic books, or eBooks, are electronic versions of books,
magazines, journals, reference manuals, textbooks, or any other
eBook Reader Software
document traditionally occurring as a printed volume. Electronic
books can be viewed on a traditional computer screen and are
◆ Adobe Acrobat Reader—
also becoming increasingly popular on smaller, portable reader
www.adobe.com/products/acrobat
devices, including handheld devices. The appeal of these devices
◆ AportisDoc Reader—
is that they can be carried around, much as a traditional book
www.aportis.com
might, but can also contain numerous volumes and special fea-
◆ CspotRun—
tures that are not available in the print versions of books.
www.32768.com/bill/palmos/cspotrun
◆ Express Reader Pro—
The features included in eBooks vary depending on the reader type
www.qvadis.com
and the document format. Many eBooks include features such as
◆ iSilo—www.isilo.com
searching, built-in dictionaries, annotation tools, bookmarks, vari-
◆ Microsoft eBook Reader—
able font size, hyperlinks, and auto-scrolling.
www.microsoft.com/ebooks
◆
Screen resolution is the biggest technical issue that is yet to be re-
MobiPocket Reader—
solved with eBooks. Until screen resolutions improve, reading
www.mobipocket.com
◆
eBooks puts more strain on one’s eyes than reading printed words
PalmReader (formerly known as
on paper.
PeanutReader)—
www.peanutpress.com
There are thousands of eBooks currently available on a wide vari-
◆ TealDoc—www.tealpoint.com
ety of topics. Some are free, and others sell for prices that are typi-
◆ TomeRaider—www.tomeraider.com
cally somewhat, but not drastically, below average print book
prices. It is expected that more educational materials, including
Sources of Additional Information
textbooks, will be made available as eBooks. ◆
on eBooks
General Information:
Book Document Formats
◆ eBook Connections, Inc.—
Format
Description
Compatibility
www.ebookconnections.com
◆ Electric eBook Publishing—
Doc
This is a common eBook format
Palm, PPC,
www.electricebookpublishing.com
and works on a wide variety of
EPOC
◆ Open eBook Forum—
platforms and with most viewers.
www.openebook.org
(Note: This is not the same as the .doc
files of Microsoft Word.)
eBooks (content):
◆ Adobe’s eBooks Central—
isilo
Offers higher compression and
Palm
www.adobe.com/epaper/ebooks
extended formatting capabilities
◆ Amazon—www.amazon.com
◆ Aportis—
LIT
Format for Microsoft eBook
www.aportis.com
PPC
◆ Barnes and Noble—
Reader; supports ClearTypeTM
www.bn.com
◆
display technology
MemoWare—www.memoware.com
◆ PalmReader—www.peanutpress.com
MemoPad
Imports directly into Memo Pad;
Palm
◆ Project Gutenberg—
limited to 4K
www.gutenberg.net
◆ Slate eBooks—
MobiPocket
Offers extended formatting
Palm, PPC,
http://slate.msn.com
capabilities and support of
EPOC
◆ Time Warner eBooks—
multiple platforms
www.twbookmark.com/ebooks
◆ TealPoint Software—
PalmReader
Offers extended formatting
Palm, PPC
www.tealpoint.com/content.htm
capabilities
◆ University of Virginia’s
Text
Generic ASCII files
Palm, PPC,
Electronic Text Center—
EPOC
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu
TomeRaider
©K12 Handhelds Copyrighted by K12
Offers extended formatting
Palm, PPC,
Handhelds. May not be reprinted without
capabilities and support of
EPOC
written permission from K12 Handhelds,
multiple platforms
info@k12handhelds.com.
News Wire
◆
21
Using Handheld Computers in Education:
A Sampling of Projects
Key Uses
Users
Reference
◆ Gathering data
◆ High school students and
Consolidated High School District 230 makes use of handhelds. An
◆ Beaming
teachers
overview of a large handheld pilot involving nearly 1,700 students
◆ Reference
and 65 teachers. www.d230.org/Handheld
◆ Word processing
◆ Scheduling
◆ Organization
◆ Organization
◆ High school students and
Handhelds go to class—New short film and story. A large school
◆ Data gathering
teachers
district equipped students and teachers with 2,200 handheld
◆ Beaming
computers in the fall of 2000. According to English, biology, and
social studies teachers in the district, use of the handhelds has
increased student productivity and efficiency across all disciplines.
http://glef.org/orlandpk.html
◆ Communication
◆ All teachers and
Leeuwenburg, Todd. (January 1999). Dick Tracy goes digital.
◆ Organization
administrators
Electronic School. An early, but still applicable, discussion of the
professional uses of handhelds for educators.
www.electronic-school.com/199901/0199toolsofthetrade.htm
◆ Databases
◆ High school students
High school students learn workplace skills with Palm handhelds.
◆ Spreadsheets
A team of students in a school-to-work program use handhelds as
◆ Presentations
an efficient way to manage jobs, equipment, and personnel and to
◆ eBooks
share information and communicate easily.
www.palm.com/education/studies/study14.html
◆ Schedules
◆ High school administrators,
Stover, Del. (March 2001). Hands-on learning. Electronic School.
◆ Student database
students, and bus drivers
One company wants to use bar-code scanners to allow bus drivers
◆ Data gathering
to record the pickup and delivery of students by scanning their ID
◆ Probes
cards. Principals use the handhelds as a tool that allows them to
◆ Beaming homework
check their schedule on the fly, determine if a student in the
◆ Other possibilities
hallway is supposed to be in class, or jot down a note for later
reference. www.electronic-school.com/2001/03/0301f4.html
◆ Probes
◆ Middle and high school
Handhelds and probes become keystone of learning environment.
students
This describes a mobile learning environment that makes it easy to
collect and analyze scientific data and to collaborate between
classes and schools. www.palm.com/education/studies/study15.html
◆ Organization
◆ High school special
Independence. Describes a project to help special education
◆ Graphing calculators
education students
students excel through the use of handheld technology.
◆ Note-taking
www.palm.com/education/studies/study3.html
◆ Reference tools
◆ Internet access
◆ Student database access
◆ Administrators
Pushing barriers. Providing administrators with instant student
◆ Coordinating professional
information and productivity tools.
schedules
www.palm.com/education/studies/study4.html
◆ Internet access
◆ Middle and high school
E-WIRE. (January 2001). Electronic School. Highlights several
◆ Reference tools
students
applications of handheld computer usage in a variety of classroom
settings. www.electronic-school.com/2001/01/0101ewire.html
◆ eBooks
◆ High school teachers and
Thomas, Karen. (May 28, 2001). Inexpensive handheld PCs find
◆ Organizers
students
way into classrooms. Detroit News Online. Discusses a high
◆ Probes
school where all 450 ninth-graders and 30 teachers were issued
◆ E-mail assignments
handheld computers.
◆ Downloadable worksheets
http://detnews.com/2001/technews/0105/28/a11-228994.htm
News Wire
◆
22
Key Uses
Users
Reference
◆ Searchable reference
◆ University medical students
Stanford University School of Medicine Palm Project—
tools
This project was created to improve the experience of Stanford
◆ Internet access
medical students by making available educational tools that are
◆ Schedules
mobile, comprehensive, and interactive. http://Palm.Stanford.edu
◆ Assessment
◆ Electronic flashcards
◆ Internet access
◆ High school students
Trotter, Andrew. (September 26, 2001). Handheld computing: new
◆ Concept mapping
best tech tool or just a fad? Education Week. Descriptions of a
variety of pilot projects using handhelds in different subject areas,
along with some of the educators’ concerns.
www.edweek.com/ew/ew_printstory.cfm?slug=04palm.h21
◆ eBooks
◆ All students
Flanigan, Robin L. (March 2001). Tools of the trade. Electronic
School. Discussion of eBooks with examples from a number of
different school pilot studies.
www.electronic-school.com/2001/03/0301toolsofthetrade.html
◆ eBooks
◆ High school students
Pickett, Debra. (June 26, 2001). Will handheld devices replace
textbooks? Chicago Sun-Times. Highlights the use of the goReader
in a junior class on American literature.
www.suntimes.com/output/tech/conf26.html
◆ Assessment
◆ Physical education teachers
Dorman, Steve M. (May 1998). Enhancing school physical
◆ Grading
education with technology. The Journal of School Health, 68(5),
◆ Class management
219–220. The use of handheld devices that assist with fitness
testing, grading, and class management is increasing. These
devices help the physical educator collect and input information in
the classroom or in an outdoor setting.
◆ Digital imaging &
◆ Elementary students
Vandenabeele, Janet. (July 23, 2001). Science class gets boost:
captioning
Handheld computers enhance school’s enrichment lessons. Detroit
◆ Beaming
News Online. Describes a summer program that utilizes handhelds
packed with educational software.
http://detnews.com/2001/schools/0107/23/c03-252214.htm
◆ Barcode scanners
◆ Media specialists
Embrey, Theresa Ross. (March 2002). Today’s PDAs can put OPAC
◆ Radio Frequency
in the Palm of your hand. This article contains a wealth of current
Identification (RFID) tags
and possible future uses of handheld devices in the media center.
◆ Beaming
www.infotoday.com/cilmag/mar02/embrey.htm
◆ Web access
◆ Reference
◆ Circulation systems
◆ eBooks
◆ Policies
◆ Scheduling
◆ High school teachers and
McCampbell, Bill. (March 2001). Taking a look at pocket digital
◆ Web access
administrators
assistants. Principal Leadership, 1(7), 72–74. Course schedules
◆ Reference
and assignments put on a class Web page and updated to PDAs
◆ Organization
using the sync capability. Supplemental reading material can be
posted to students’ devices. Calculators, conversion charts,
checklists, and other class paraphernalia replaced with handhelds.
◆ Organization
◆ All teachers
McFadden, A., Price, B.J., & Marsh, G. (September, 2001) A
◆ Word processing
valuable technology tool for student teachers. Three University of
◆ Scheduling
Alabama educational-technology experts describe how handheld
◆ Beaming
computers can enhance productivity, classroom information
◆ Presentations
management, and instructional support. While it targets student
◆ Professional collaboration
teachers, many of these scenarios apply to any educator.
◆ Assessment
www.glef.org/pdatool.html
◆ Data gathering
◆ Classroom management
◆ Internet access
◆ E-mail
News Wire
◆
23
Grant Opportunities
Any grant opportunity for educational
grants. While the program does not have
technology is one that can be tapped for
a next round of grants scheduled at the
handheld computers. Just remember to
time of this writing, check their website
address the specific grant requirements
at www.palmgrants.sri.com. This website also
by including handheld applications and
has many great ideas about how to use
programs that address specific instruc-
handhelds in education.
tional goals. For example, if you are
writing a grant for materials to support
Handspring Foundation Grants—This
science instruction, you might include
foundation offers both cash and product
handhelds, science data probes, cur-
grants to qualifying organizations. The
riculum materials, graphing calculator
cash grants are made to nonprofit
software, and digital cameras. In addi-
organizations that focus on issues
tion, make sure to emphasize the way
relating to children and youth who are at
that handhelds can address equity and
risk. These grants range from $1,000 to
access issues because of their low
$25,000. The product grants provide
cost and mobility.
hardware to qualified
nonprofit organizations
Some grants, like
and are geared toward
Texas’ Technol-
demonstrations of an
ogy Integration
innovative use of
in Education
handhelds that will
(TIE) grants,
creatively address
even spe-
critical community
cifically
concerns. More
allow hand-
information is
helds as an
available at
eligible use.
www.handspring.com/
Progressive
company/
states are
foundation.
starting to
Center for Innova-
make handhelds
a part of their over-
tive Learning Tech-
nologies
all technology plans
—This
and funding schools to
organization offers
purchase these devices.
a limited number of
seed grants each year to ini-
In addition, many schools
tiate cross-institutional collabora-
are using professional devel-
tions in the area of learning technologies.
opment grants to purchase handheld
The themes of the program are Visualiza-
workshops (some of these include hand-
tion and Modeling, Ubiquitous Comput-
held devices in the cost). This is a cre-
ing, Community Tools, and Technology
ative way to fund professional
in Learning Assessments. The range of
development and the handhelds them-
award is $6,000 to $15,000. More infor-
selves all in one.
mation can be found at www.cilt.org/
seedgrant/projects.html.
Here are a few grants that are specifically
geared toward handhelds:
TI-Navigator Collaboration Grants—This pro-
gram awards grants that allow for the
Palm Education Pioneer Grant Program—This
purchase of the TI-Navigator system at
program gives Palm handhelds to K–12
a reduced price of $5,500 versus the list
teachers and their students so they can
price of $9,800. For more information,
use them in new ways for teaching and
call the TI-Navigator Collaboration
learning. This program is administered by
Grants office at 866-846-2844 or
SRI International’s Center for Technology
e-mail them at ti-navigator@ti.com.
in Learning. It is limited to hardware
News Wire
◆
24
There are some other organizations
◆ Design a program that can be
that offer grants in the general area of
replicated by other schools and
educational technology and have funded
include how you will share information
handheld projects in the past. One such
about your experience with others.
organization is Intel. Check out its
◆ Make sure to include information on
website at www.intel.com/education/grants.
how your program will be evaluated.
Also, make sure to check with your state
◆ Make the budget detailed, reasonable,
educational technology office to see what
and representative of the rest of your
educational technology and professional
proposal.
development grants they have available.
◆ Make sure you meet all the technical
As with any grant application, the follow-
requirements of the proposal.
ing tips are useful to remember when you
are writing grants for handheld programs:
◆ If your program doesn’t get funded by
this grant, try again. Many wonderful
◆ Read the grant request for proposal
programs aren’t funded the first time
carefully and tailor your proposal to
around. ◆
those requirements.
◆ Focus on student achievement and the
©K12 Handhelds Copyrighted by K12
improvements your proposed program
Handhelds. May not be reprinted without written
will make; make sure to indicate
permission from K12 Handhelds,
specific and measurable objectives.
info@k12handhelds.com.
Professional Development and Handheld Technologies
Connected University’s Pocket CU—A prototype of an online class utilizing a handheld
device as the delivery medium. The content for this class is “Teaching to
Standards.” http://cu.classroom.com/palm
K12 Handhelds—A variety of both on-site workshops and online courses that start
with an introduction to handhelds for beginners and then build to more
advanced courses that focus on applications for administrators, teachers,
and students. www.k12handhelds.com/dev.php
Palm PETC Program—The Palm Education Training Coordinator (PETC) program is a
train-the-trainer program designed to support K–12 in-service and pre-
service professional development programs focused on the educational
uses of Palm handheld computers. www.palm.com/education/training
Palm PETP Program—Regional workshops conducted by Palm Education Training
Providers (PETP). PETPs are Palm Certified Trainers with expertise in the
Palm OS and years of personal experience as K–12 educators and adminis-
trators. www.palm.com/education/programs/regional
Note: A few universities, colleges, and private training centers are now offering dis-
tance education courses that are designed around handheld delivery methods. For
example, Brigham Young University offers a high school course for U.S. History that
is taken with Palm OS devices in addition to the traditional computer connected to
the Internet.
News Wire
◆
25
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News Wire
◆
28
DESKTOP
COMPONENT
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News Wire
◆
29
Handheld Resources
Hardware Manufacturers
Software Resources
Palm OS
◆ C|NET Downloads—Shareware,
freeware, and demo software for
◆ Palm
Palm and Windows CE/Pocket PC
www.palm.com
http://download.cnet.com/downloads/
0-1726360.html?tag=stbc.gp
◆ Handspring
www.handspring.com
◆ EuroCool—Shareware, freeware,
and demo software for Palm
◆ Sony Clie
www.eurocool.com
www.sonystyle.com/vaio/clie/
index.shtml
◆ Handango—Shareware, freeware,
demos, and commercial software for
◆ Symbol
Palm and Windows CE/Pocket PC
www.symbol.com/products/
www.handango.com
mobile_computers/
mobile_computers.html
◆ Hi-Ce Learning in the Palm of
Your Hand—Free educational
software for Palm
Windows CE/Pocket PC
www.handheld.hice-dev.org/
download.htm
◆ Compaq—iPAQ Pocket PCs
◆ Palm Boulevard—Shareware,
www.compaq.com/products/
freeware, and demo software
handhelds/pocketpc/index.html
for Palm
◆ Casio
http://palmblvd.com
www.casio.com/personalpcs/
◆ Palm Education—Educational
section.cfm?section=19
software downloads and reviews
◆ Hewlett Packard
for Palm
Jornada www.hp.com/jornada
www.palm.com/education
◆ Symbol
◆ Palmgear—Shareware, freeware,
www.symbol.com/products/
demos, and commercial software
mobile_computers/
for Palm
mobile_computers.html
www.palmgear.com
◆ PalmSpot—Freeware, shareware,
and commercial applications for
Palm. Also sells hardware add-ons
www.palmspot.com
◆ Peanutpress—Electronic books for
Palm and Windows CE/Pocket PC
www.peanutpress.com
◆ Tucows—Shareware, freeware, and
demo software for Palm and
Windows CE/Pocket PC
www.tucows.com
News Wire
◆
30
Educational Hardware/
News, Reviews,
Software Resellers
and Support
The following companies accept
◆ NearlyMobile—Information
educational purchase orders and
dedicated to the new Palm user
offer academic pricing:
who is not technology savvy
www.nearlymobile.com
◆ Educational Resources
◆ Palm Infocenter.com
www.educationalresources.com
—The latest
Palm OS industry news
◆ K12 Handhelds
www.palminfocenter.com
www.k12handhelds.com
◆ Palm Knowledge Finder—
◆ MicroWarehouse
Online database of Palm tips
www.microwarehouse.com
and tricks, help, etc.
◆ Software Express
www.palm.com/support/kb/
www.swexpress.com
link_to_kb.html
◆ Palmtops/PDAs—News, reviews,
FAQs, and software links
http://palmtops.about.com
◆ PDA Constituent Group—
Journals/Newsletters
Discussion of issues and
challenges concerning use of PDAs
in higher education
◆ Curriculum Administrators:
www.educause.edu/memdir/cg/
Education in Hand—A supplement
pda.html
to Curriculum Administrator, case
studies in handheld educational
◆ PDA Geek—News, reviews, tips,
uses www.ca-magazine.com/
and tricks
SpecialReports/eih.asp
www.geek.com/pdageek/
pdamain.htm
◆ Handheld Computing—Printed
monthly magazine for Palm devices
◆ PDABuzz—News, reviews, forums,
www.hhcmag.com
and other resources
www.PDABuzz.com
◆ InSync Online—Palm, Inc.’s
monthly electronic newsletter
◆ PDAStreet—The PDA Network of
www.insync-palm.com
free downloads, reviews, news,
and message boards for all the
◆ Mobile Computing—Printed
major handhelds
monthly magazine covering portable
http://pdastreet.com
computers and handheld devices
www.mobilecomputing.com
◆ pdaED.com—News and reviews
about handhelds in general.
◆ Palm Power Magazine—An
Bulletin boards specifically devoted
online magazine for Palm
to handhelds in education
www.palmpower.com
www.pdaed.com
◆ Pocket PC—Printed monthly
◆ Slashdot—PDA news for nerds
magazine for Pocket PC devices
http://slashdot.org/
www.pocketpcmag.com
search.pl?topic=100
◆ ZDNet Shopper—Comparison
pricing for handhelds
http://zdnetshopper.cnet.com/
shopping/0-11013-1401-0-
0.html?tag=dir
News Wire
◆
31
of Terms Used
with Handheld Technologies
Glossary
802.11b—See Wi-Fi
Archive Files—copies of deleted or purged handheld data that exist on the
desktop computer and can be used to restore some deleted or purged
data.
Beam—describes the use of infrared to transfer data from one handheld to
another. With appropriate software, beaming can also be used to send
a document from the handheld to an infrared-capable printer.
BluetoothTM—a wireless technology with a range of approximately 30-meter
radius; works well for hard cable replacement.
Cradle—the stand that a handheld computer sits in to sync to a desktop
computer. Used with some models as a battery charger.
eBook—an electronically formatted book, designed to be read from a
computer, which may be a desktop computer, a handheld computer, or
a specialized electronic book reading device.
Expansion Modules—items that are added on to a handheld device; these can be
memory cards with software, such as large dictionaries or eBooks, or
hardware items, such as digital cameras, GPSs, MP3 players, or
science data probes.
GPS or Global Positioning System—a device that uses a network of satellites to
determine precise positioning data; GPSs are used for navigation,
mapping, surveying, and other applications where precise positioning
information is needed.
Graffiti®—handwriting recognition software program that is the primary
means of data input for the Palm OS.
Handheld Computer or Handheld—small computerized devices that fit into the palm
of the hand and are designed for mobile computing.
MMC or Multimedia Card—a type of expansion card supported by the latest Palm
handheld devices; these cards are very small, about the size of a
postage stamp; see also “Secure Digital.”
MP3—a format to facilitate the storage, management, promotion, and
delivery of digital music.
OS or Operating System—software that is designed to manage hardware devices
in order to enable applications and users to access it easily; examples
of operating systems used for handheld computers include Windows
CE® and the Palm OS®.
Palm Desktop®—software that runs on a desktop computer and can be used to
enter, edit, or view data from a Palm OS handheld; data is updated
and exchanged between the desktop and the handheld through the
HotSync process.
Palm OS®—the operating system developed by Palm, Inc. for handheld
devices; handheld devices produced by Palm, Handspring, IBM, Sony,
and others use this operating system.
PAN—Personal Area Network.
News Wire
◆
32
PDA or Personal Digital Assistant—a specific type of handheld device that serves the
purpose of organizing personal information; these may include
calendars, address books, notepads, calculators, and other useful tools.
PDB—a common Palm OS file extension that represents data or a database.
PIM or Personal Information Manager—a specific type of handheld device that serves
the purpose of organizing personal information; these may include
calendars, address books, notepads, calculators, and other useful
tools.
Pocket PC—a generic term for a handheld computer running the Windows CE
operating system; see “Windows CE” for more information.
PRC—a common Palm OS file extension that represents an application.
SD or Secure Digital—a type of expansion card supported by the latest Palm
handheld devices; these cards use Flash technology and are writeable.
Springboard® Module—an expansion module that extends the functionality of a
Handspring Visor handheld device; examples of Springboard modules
include digital cameras, GPSs, and MP3 players.
Sync—short for synchronize.
Synchronization—The process by which the desktop computer and the handheld
exchange and update information.
Ubiquitous Computing—computing that is omnipresent and is, or appears to be,
everywhere all the time; may involve many different computing devices
that are embedded in various devices or appliances and operate in the
background.
USB or Universal Serial Bus—a type of connection to a desktop computer,
which can be used to HotSync data; generally much faster than a
standard serial connection.
Web Clipping—used to describe the editing or “clipping” of parts of Web pages
to make them more readable on a handheld device. Companies such
as AvantGo provide this service.
Wi-Fi (also known as 802.11b)—a wireless technology with a range of
approximately 150–300 meters in radius and supports up to 11
megabit data rates, which makes it appropriate for wireless Internet
access; this is the technology used by Apple AirPorts and Xircom’s
Wireless Ethernet modules.
Windows CE® OS—the operating system developed by the Microsoft
Corporation for embedded systems and handheld devices; handheld
devices produced by Compaq, Hewlett Packard, and others use this
operating system.
Wireless—generally used to describe a device having intranet or Internet
connectivity without wires; this can be achieved through wireless
modem technology similar to a cellular phone or through wireless
Ethernet cards using 802.11b technology.
©K12 Handhelds Copyrighted by K12 Handhelds. May not be reprinted without written
permission from K12 Handhelds, info@k12handhelds.com.
News Wire
◆
33
This newsletter was developed by the SouthEast Initiatives Regional Technology in Education
Consortium (SEIR◆TEC) and is based on work sponsored wholly or in part by the Office of Educational
Research and Improvement (OERI), under grant number R302A980001, CFDA 84.302A. Its contents
do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of OERI, the U.S. Department of Education, or any
other agency of the United States Government.
First Printing 2002
NewsWire Editorial Staff
Reviewers
Elizabeth Byrom ◆ Margaret Bingham
SERVE:
Gloria Bowman ◆ Steve Bingham
Cynthia Robertson ◆ Susan Harmon
Contributing Authors
South Carolina Department of Education:
Don Cantrell
Donna Baumbach ◆ Mary Bird ◆ Kathy
Katz ◆ Betty Rendon ◆ Matt Renfroe
University of Virginia: Chris O’Neal
ITRC at University of Central Florida
Southern Regional Education Board:
Karen Fasimpaur, K12 Handhelds
Jennifer Burke
Diana Skinner, Johnston County Schools
(North Carolina)
SERVE Publications Team
Cyndi Pride, Beaufort County Schools
(South Carolina)
Christy Casbon ◆ Karen DeMeester
Tracy Hamilton ◆ Donna Nalley
Margaret Bingham, SERVE
This document was created for SEIR◆TEC by the Instructional Technology Resource Center in
collaboration with K12 Handhelds. The entire document may be reprinted in its entirety
for nonprofit educational use. Individual articles copyrighted by K12 Handhelds may
not be reprinted without written permission from K12 Handhelds at info@k12handhelds.com.
3333 Chapel Hill Blvd.,
Suite C-102
Durham, NC 27707
800•755•3277 Toll-free
919•402•1060 Voice
919•402-1617 Fax
www.seirtec.org
