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Permalink Reply by Helen Crompton on August 13, 2009 at 10:45am

I should perhaps look at hand held technology and that could cover the iTouch and whatever else comes out in the next couple of years. Kate I taught 5th grade for the last three years and i also loved the interactive board (Smartboard) I had in my classroom.

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Permalink Reply by Helen Crompton on November 18, 2009 at 4:06pm

I have decided to do my final dissertation on the iPod Touch in a 6th grade mathematics classroom, for those who are interested.

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Permalink Reply by cprofitt on November 29, 2009 at 3:42pm

A couple of thoughts:

1) Handhelds would allow for a much broader approach. I would not focus on the iTouch, but perhaps on that genre of handheld that allows for applications to be run. HP did some great stuff with their line of iPaqs that would have a profound impact on education. I do not remember the specifics, but users were given an iPaq with GPS capabilities and a set of headphones. They then walked around the area of a historical event and got to listen to the sounds that had been happening in that location at the same time of day. The combined portability, sound, GPS and time of day in to an 'experience' for the user.

2) As we move away from 19th/20th century learning I think the interactive whiteboard may fade as well. To me it appears that the direction will be to student focused learning and the whiteboard appears to merely be a transitory device if that is the case.

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Permalink Reply by cprofitt on November 29, 2009 at 3:43pm

Helen Crompton said:

I have decided to do my final dissertation on the iPod Touch in a 6th grade mathematics classroom, for those who are interested.

It appears I posted my thoughts a bit too late. Good luck with your dissertation. If possible perhaps focus on the larger genre known as handheld computing. Including PocketPCs, iTouch devices and others like the Zii Egg.

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Permalink Reply by Helen Crompton on December 1, 2009 at 4:37am

Thank you again for all of you for your comments. Keep them coming. I am going to focus my research in the next few years leading up to me dissertation on hand held technologies. I have to agree that it does seem to be the way forward in education. I would love to keep in touch with anyone that is interested in this area or could even support me with this.

Thanks again

Helen

Lee Bond said:

Hi Helen,

A lot of evidence indicates that HH tech will be huge for education in the near future.At ILC we're in favour of tablets and a digital projector over IWBs - but I'd like to see the integration of handhelds. Please take a look LINK. If your dissertation was on handheld technology, I'd be really interested with the findings. I have to agree with most of the posts here who are nudging you towards iTouch/iphone. The value of your work in that area would have a big impact. Hope this helps - Lee

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Permalink Reply by Lee Bond on December 1, 2009 at 11:15am

Helen Crompton said:

I have decided to do my final dissertation on the iPod Touch in a 6th grade mathematics classroom, for those who are interested.

Would be very interested in the findings of your study Helen - Happy researching - Lee

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Permalink Reply by Steve Dillon on December 2, 2009 at 2:13pm

Hi Helen, I work in music education with software development and Pamela Burnard has just recently done a comparison between the two at Cambridge University UK as a pilot study. There is also a great study beginning in Finland on mobile technologies at Sibelius Academy being led by David Herbert. Lots of people are also interacting between the two. A great project that activates mobile phones is: http://ciphercities.com/

For learning Math I am always inspired by Seymour Papert's Logo/ Lego constructionism , 'The Children's machine' great books and for a dissertation the technology is less important than the theoretical and pedagogical aspects that the technology affords in new ways. Notions of contructionism using either technologies and from a teachers perspective attached to how this affects how you teach and what children learn should be your focus. Also if you can identify what gets in the way of that in terms of policy and support that would useful also. Actually I have a good question for you I got from watching a math teacher work with a chalk board. How can we get the same respect and esteem in relationships with children as math teachers had with chalk 50 years ago? Regards Steve:-)

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Permalink Reply by Helen Crompton on December 2, 2009 at 2:23pm

Really interesting post Steve. I will look at Seymour Papert's Logo/ Lego constructionism, and the other points you mentioned. Are you affiliated with any university?

Steve Dillon said:

Hi Helen, I work in music education with software development and Pamela Burnard has just recently done a comparison between the two at Cambridge University UK as a pilot study. There is also a great study beginning in Finland on mobile technologies at Sibelius Academy being led by David Herbert. Lots of people are also interacting between the two. A great project that activates mobile phones is: http://ciphercities.com/

For learning Math I am always inspired by Seymour Papert's Logo/ Lego constructionism , 'The Children's machine' great books and for a dissertation the technology is less important than the theoretical and pedagogical aspects that the technology affords in new ways. Notions of contructionism using either technologies and from a teachers perspective attached to how this affects how you teach and what children learn should be your focus. Also if you can identify what gets in the way of that in terms of policy and support that would useful also. Actually I have a good question for you I got from watching a math teacher work with a chalk board. How can we get the same respect and esteem in relationships with children as math teachers had with chalk 50 years ago? Regards Steve:-)

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Permalink Reply by Judith Epcke on December 6, 2009 at 1:12pm

I think some variables with choosing interactive whiteboards would be the proficiency of use by the teacher and how much students actually interact with the board or related peripherals (like voters). With iPod Touches, the likelihood of student interaction is much greater as there is a greater chance of them being 1 to 1.

I am a HUGE fan of both technologies, but think it would be easier to focus a research project around the iPod Touches for 5th grade math students. In our experience the teachers have to do VERY little (if anything) to get the kids up to speed on a particular app they will be using.

I look forward to hearing about your PhD adventure and how your research is going over the next 3-4 years. Best of luck!

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Permalink Reply by Helen Crompton on December 6, 2009 at 1:39pm

Thanks Judith.

Judith Epcke said:

I think some variables with choosing interactive whiteboards would be the proficiency of use by the teacher and how much students actually interact with the board or related peripherals (like voters). With iPod Touches, the likelihood of student interaction is much greater as there is a greater chance of them being 1 to 1.

I am a HUGE fan of both technologies, but think it would be easier to focus a research project around the iPod Touches for 5th grade math students. In our experience the teachers have to do VERY little (if anything) to get the kids up to speed on a particular app they will be using.

I look forward to hearing about your PhD adventure and how your research is going over the next 3-4 years. Best of luck!

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Permalink Reply by Richard Close on December 9, 2009 at 12:32pm

I am developing a Global Learning Framework book that focuses on the Philosophy, Methods and Architecture of collaborative learning. There is a lot to play with in it. We have set up a Ning on it. And there is a sub community from Linkedin making remarks. You are welcome to hop in. There is a 1.5 hour evolving course on the home page. Some topics like Micro Learning Paths you should find as fun to play with.

My email is rclose@richardclose.info

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Permalink Reply by Helen Crompton on December 9, 2009 at 1:33pm

Sounds great

Richard Close said:

I am developing a Global Learning Framework book that focuses on the Philosophy, Methods and Architecture of collaborative learning. There is a lot to play with in it. We have set up a Ning on it. And there is a sub community from Linkedin making remarks. You are welcome to hop in. There is a 1.5 hour evolving course on the home page. Some topics like Micro Learning Paths you should find as fun to play with.

My email is rclose@richardclose.info

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