We've all seen the business traveller who boards a plane scribbling on a pocket computer to review a schedule, find a phone number, prepare a presentation or record expenses. Now imagine these small personal computers in the hands of every student. Not only could they take notes anywhere, they could calculate real life math problems, set up spreadsheets, organize databases, draw sketches, even collect data from their surroundings. As a result, a set of numbers and abstract science concepts becomes linked to relevant experiences and personal everyday events.

In partnership with the Center for Innovative Learning Technologies (CILT), The Concord Consortium is developing and studying educational uses of inexpensive computers and computer interfaces with students. Through the Low-cost Ubiquitous Computing Theme research efforts of CILT, students are testing the use of pocket-sized computers and portable probeware.

These small computers were originally conceived as electronic personal organizers. Probeware is software and hardware that allows sensors to be connected and used with these portable computers. From our experience, providing low-cost computers and universal access to all students will fundamentally change learning.

Our first experience with these amazingly friendly small computers was with a fifth grade class. We had asked the students to explore changes in distance over time using a recently developed lantern-style CC Smart Sonic Ranger. With the aid of software, data was displayed on a computer screen in graphical form so that the students could quickly analyze and explore motion.

We placed similar software on the 3COM Palm™ and one sunny afternoon asked two the fifth grade students to test the Palm and the Sonic Ranger in the school playground. One grabbed the Palm and the other took control of the Sonic Ranger. Together they walked from one end of the playground to other designing activities to plot out distance and recognize motion. Their immediate ownership of the pocket computer and probeware was a glimpse at the readiness students have to explore and design their own investigations.

The CILT Synergy Project is targeting this excitement on the part of the students for inquiry. It is also studying the role of teachers in supporting integrated science learning mediated by pocket computers. These early studies are pilots for larger studies planned in primary, middle, and high school classrooms this fall. Palm Computing, a 3COM company has donated pocket computers to begin these studies. A new Palm interface called ImagiProbe can be attached to Palms to allow data collection. CILT researchers will study how students use pocket computers coupled with ImagiLab to record and understand data.

Pocket computers initially will be testing with 10th grade students in California as field-based inquiry tools to complement an Internet-based curriculum and Internet-based student assessments. Students will use the Palm to study ecosystems and measure factors such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and salinity in a local creek. Using the data they collect at the creek, students will use Internet-based modeling and visualization tools to construct their understanding of water quality and determine how to create healthy water.

At the same time, the Kids and Palms™ project is initially testing pocket computers with students on the primary and middle school levels in Massachusetts. This project will design activities, curricular materials, and assessments with teachers to establish if the students in and out of the classroom can use these handy portable computers. Age appropriate activities with Palms are planned for students in a second and fifth grade.

Carolyn Staudt is a curriculum developer for The Concord Consortium. Sherry Hsi is a post-doctoral scholar at the Center for Innovative Learning Technologies. Carolyn@concord.org, Sherry@concord.org

Copyright © 1999 The Concord Consortium, All rights reserved. Last updated: 29-May-99
Questions and comments regarding this site can be sent to webmaster@concord.org