Aim The aim of the trial is to investigate the classroom/pedagogical use of wirelessly networked PDAs and the potential impact on standards of literacy and numeracy.
Objectives
Specifically through the context of raising standards of literacy and numeracy the objectives of the pilot are to investigate: | The delivery of a number of types of learning materials that can be accessed on PDAs that can be used anytime, anywhere including: | | | - Pocket Word and Excel files and templates
| - Pocket SlideShow (PowerPoint) files
| - Windows Media content audio and video
| - Microsoft Reader e-books (downloaded or created using MS Word). e-Books can be written in MS Word 2000, 2002 or 2003 and compiled into MS e-Book reader format using a free add-in the Word available from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads . Details of e-Book creation and how to compile them can be found in Pocket Loox Part 2 in the Downloads section.
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The learning content will be delivered to the PDAs through wireless synchronisation with the school network. Synchronisation is a two-way process which means that students original work and interactions with teacher-supplied content can be viewed on the teacher s desktop or laptop without the device being taken away from the student. This use is teacher-driven.
| | The use of the devices for capturing digital resources in the field including: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Notes handwritten and text
| | | | This is a student-centred activity as the students will chose what materials it is important to capture and in what format.
These digital resources can then be used as a stimulus for further activities such as, as an aid to writing or as resources for a multi-media presentation. For this reason it was felt that the digital camera was an essential requirement.
- Additional titles to extend the application base on the devices with both utility and educational software.
| | | - The potential benefits of personal ownership of a highly portable personal learning device. Every student in three year five classes will be given their own PDA which will be used in the classroom, on educational visits and be taken home for evenings and weekends. The devices will be their own personal property and as such students will be allowed to personalise the devices with Today screen images and use them as MP3 players.
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