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February 15, 2002
A Report Card on Handheld Computing (cont'd)
Integrating Handhelds into Instruction
The "Cooties" lesson illustrates one way handhelds can take the curriculum in different directions. But as with any new technology, there is a learning curve involved in its seamless integration, and exploring the possibilities may mean some uncomfortable adjustments for educators.
"When you have things in the classroom," says Rose, "and all kids have them, the teacher loses some control, and the classroom becomes more of a community of learners." Rose believes this is a positive impact in line with the inquiry and constructivist models of curriculum. "When kids have tools they can use easily, they start messing with information," he says. "It encourages them to be inquisitive."
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| Students simulate the spread of disease with the help of Cooties software (see Case Study) |
Hi-CE's Mike Curtis works daily with teachers implementing handhelds into their instruction, and recommends 45 minutes of unstructured time for students to get comfortable using the stylus to write in Graffiti-the Palm's handwriting recognition system. To deal with tasks such as downloading and transferring applications, Curtis says the teachers he works with typically have student "technicians" learn the tasks and take responsibility for them.
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