A Guide to Handheld Computing in K-12 Schools
Comprehensive CoSN report examines the current and future applications of handheld technology in the classroom, includes case studies
Press Release - For Immediate Release
For more information contact:
Elizabeth Weaver Engel, Vice President, Marketing
Consortium for School Networking
202/861-2676, ext. 120
elizabeth@cosn.org
Charlene Blohm
C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
608/839-9800
charlene@cblohm.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 21, 2004) - The Consortium for School Networking, a nonprofit organization that promotes the use of information technologies and the Internet in K-12 education, today released A Guide to Handheld Computing in K-12 Schools.
"This report guides administrators and technology coordinators through all of the issues associated with handheld computing," said Steve Rappaport, chair of CoSN's Emerging Technologies Committee, which compiled the report. "Starting with the features and functions of handheld computers, the report addresses the advantages and challenges of using handhelds, total cost of ownership issues and implementation advice."
The Guide, based on extensive research and interviews with educators and industry experts, also features 12 case studies which describe the innovative ways different schools are currently using handheld computing, an extensive resource directory, and an up-close look at the instructional uses of graphing calculators, a category of handheld devices widely used in schools for math and science applications.
"The case studies serve to illustrate the myriad ways in which handhelds can further the educational mission of our schools," commented Dave Santucci, Product Innovation Director, Education Solutions, Texas Instruments Incorporated and project manager of the report. "From administrative uses to ambitious student projects, pioneers have discovered positive and powerful ways in which technology can transform teaching and learning."
"As more schools use handheld computers or are considering their use, it is critical to address the potential impact these devices can have on the education community," noted Keith Krueger, CoSN CEO. "As an organization educators turn to for information on technology trends and issues, CoSN felt strongly that we needed a resource to answer questions about how handhelds can function to facilitate student learning and development."
Aside from their obvious portability, the report found that handhelds provide significant benefits to students, teachers and administrators. Student users are more enthusiastic and engaged when working with handhelds. Handhelds provide an affordable platform for active learning and collaborative projects. Due to their ease of use, student and teacher confidence in using technology increases dramatically.
Teachers are able to use handhelds for on-the-spot recording of classroom assessments, as well as to simplify classroom management and administrative tasks. Administrators employ handhelds to improve communication with parents, to support data-driven decision making, and to conveniently track teacher observation and student schedules.
In order for technology to have a transformative influence on teaching and learning, students need frequent, ongoing access to computers at school. However, unless every student has a computer, this level of access is nearly impossible. Because they are less expensive than laptops, handhelds offer many schools an affordable means of providing students with their own computers, while their mobility promotes anytime, anyplace learning.
In addition to exploring the benefits of handheld computing, the Guide discusses the challenges involved in implementing handhelds in the classroom. These include management issues, breakage and loss, inappropriate use, lack of educational applications and wireless security issues. The report also provides an important summary of lessons learned by early adopters of handheld technology in K-12 schools.
The 56-page publication is the second report from CoSN's Emerging Technologies Committee, which was formed in 2002 to identify technologies with the potential to enhance K-12 teaching, learning, administration, and decision making. The ETC's first report, A Guide to Wireless LANs in K-12 Schools, was released in November 2003, and its third report, Hot Technologies in K-12 Education, will be released in the fall of 2004.
Emerging Technologies Report: A Guide to Handheld Computing in K-12 Schools was edited by Judy Salpeter, editor-at-large for Technology & Learning magazine and the Consortium for School Networking. The complete report is available for $19.95 for CoSN members and $24.95 for non-members. It can be downloaded at www.cosn.org/catalog.
About the Consortium for School Networking
Founded in 1992, the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), a national non-profit organization, is the premier voice in education technology leadership. CoSN's mission is to advance the K-12 education community's capacity to effectively use technology to improve learning through advocacy, policy and leadership development. CoSN members represent school districts, state and local education agencies, nonprofits, companies and individuals who share our vision.
CoSN leadership initiatives include: Cyber Security for the Digital District (www.securedistrict.org); Data-Driven Decision Making (www.3d2know.org); Safeguarding the Wired Schoolhouse (www.safewiredschools.org); Taking Total Cost of Ownership to the Classroom (www.classroomtco.org); and the development of the Council of School District Chief Technology Officers (CTO).
Visit www.cosn.org or phone 202/861-2676 to find out more about CoSN's programs and activities supporting leadership development to ensure that information technology has a direct and positive impact on student learning in elementary and secondary schools.
Editor's Note: To receive a copy of the Emerging Technologies Report: A Guide to Handheld Computing in K-12 Schools, contact Charlene Blohm at charlene@cblohm.com or 608/839-9800, or visit the CoSN booth during the NECC conference on the second floor foyer outside of La Nouvelle Ballroom next to the email stations.
