my PDA eWorld

In the past couple of weeks the eKidz at BNPS have been buiklding Pocket Bytes. Pocket Bytes are mini PDA formatted websites built around a specific learning focus. Learners were offered a list of 30 topics on the topic of Light and Sound to build science based Pocket Bytes. The eKidz are building the Pocket Bytes using a template designed from earlier discussions about "what ingredients make for a great learning experience?" In essence a Pocket Byte caters for numerous learning styles. They contain:

1. Brain Zone and Alphabetical Bits: text content
2. Listen Up: an audio overlay
3. Cue graphic: for visual connect
4. ToonByte: Cartoon story about an aspect of the topic
5. Media Mash: Multimedia mini movie constructed about the topic
6. EduGamer: hyperlinks to websites containing Interactive content on the topic
7. Quizzer: short multiple choice self marking quiz on the topic
8. Puzzler: a easy quick puzzle to complete
9. Last laugh: light humour or cartoon skit
10. Feed Back: Invites users to negotiate and activity to reflect their learning and extended learning on the topic. (Based on Gardners Multiple Intelligences)
11. Hot Links to popular online search engines

Click here to view a sample Pocket Byte made by myself.

I expect the eKidz to complete their Pocket Bytes within the next 4 weeks.
So far, I've been wowed by their quiet and zealous approach to the building Pocket Bytes. I believe that the opportunity to produce knowledge/content gives a great value to the experience than just being a consumer/user of it. I am convinced that the variety of ways that the content can be constructed and communicated adds enormous engagement value to the learning experience for the producer.

Once completed, it will be interesting to see how a group of students (other than ekidz) will respond to using /completing a Pocket Byte. Stay tuned.

During hands-on science experiments, handhelds are fantastic for students to use note section to record observations as they are actually happening in real time . Using the recorder function is also worthwhile. Students became very adept at identifying main ideas and/or key facts and then developing note-taking skills to succinctly and quickly record information.

At Balwyn North PS the eKidz have begun building their first Pocket Byte. The eKidz contributed to the design and content elements. So, they were keen to construct their first one.
A Pocket Byte is in essence a small multi media website or learning module about a specific topic. Level 4 students are currently studying light and sound in science, so most of the Pocket Byte topics have this focus.
A Pocket Byte contains the following elements:

• One clear graphic to visually cue the topic
• Brain Zone to introduce the topic leading to>
• More details or Alphabet bits with a max of 10 bullet points of interesting knowledge and hyperlinks to websites of value
• Listen Up: Short audio intro using Audacity
• Toon Byte: cartoon using www.dfilm.com
• Mini movie for Pocket PC using Windows Movie Maker
• EduGamer: with hyperlinks to websites that have games and activities about the topic
• Quiz: Self marking using www.discoveryschool.com
• Last Laugh: Humour (jokes, cartoons) about the topic
• Feedback: This section is static, and offers students who undertake the Pocket Byte via their PDA to choose a method (prompted by Gardners Multiple Intelligences) to feed back to their teacher.

Click here to enjoy a sample Pocket Byte (Put your headphones on)

Pocket Bytes are constructed using MS Publisher 2003 in webpage format.

It will be interesting to track the eKidz journey via their blogs.

PDA's are great for creating multi media learning activities.

Click here to visit a PDA based activity aimed at using several PDA features and revealing the Gold Toonie winner!!

Yet another creative approach to integrating PDA's into everyday learning. Emma at Broadmeadows PS reveals the clues. Click here for more details.

Blogs are accessible to anyone connected to the Internet.

Instead of 'killing trees' via photocopying, it is far more exciting to blog. Use of hyperlinks to great online multi media websites providing support data for a learning focus is a fun activity for learners of all ages. It could be a great way for parents and carers to be engaged with their children. At Balwyn North PS, Carol O'Neill's R415 Homework blog is a good example.

Click here, to check it out.

Receiving new technology to play with is always exciting.
Yet, we need to remember that PDA's will need to be resold. Keeping this in mind it is critical to keep boxes and used components like the power adapters along with manuals in safe keeping.
Once un boxed and serials are recorded, a smart tip is to label each PDA with its own identity. At BPS we chose cartoon characters. So, students are assigned a PDA character and have a sense of personalised ownership in caring for the PDA. Each different class that uses the PDA's is processed similarly, so at the end of the process we know that Donald Duck PDA is only ever used by Jim, Ahmed, Kylie and James.
After issuing identities, setting the PDA settings with owner info, date time and menus is a valuable intro into using the stylus and text pad.
On completion of the above students are encouraged to explore and investigate what the PDA can do. Generally, the voice recording feature and Bubble game are the big hits.
Simple activities like:

• Open Word Mobile > touchpad keyboard typing > transcriber typing
• OK, to demonstrate ROM saving
• Rename and delete files technique
• Open Excel Mobile >enter data > make a graph
• Open Power point viewer
• Navigating with File Explorer
• Voice recording
• Using notes > voice recording in Notes > handwrite in Notes > draw in notes
• Media Player > full screen
• Picture and Video viewer

Keeping the screen clean is always a challenge. The simplest method is to breathe (hot breath) on the screen and gently wipe it with a soft cloth (inside if jumper or clean handkerchief.)

Be brave >>> explore and share

To finish off we played Bubble Breaker Bump, and the current champion at BNPS is Adrian with a score of 642. Well done.