my PDA eWorld

Navigating with a PDA

2006-09-05T12:56:00.000+10:00

As part of my space E-byte I created an activity to encourage the students to navigate the school grounds on the hunt for space treasure. The students used the Nasa Space Camp website to learn how to take bearings with a compass. They were then sent an e-mail with navigation instructions and directions. Their first task was to transfer these instructions onto the PDA so they were available to each student when we went outside. It was very interesting to see the different ways the student's did this. Some were able to save the attachment in their folder and active sync the instructions on to the PDA, some voice recorded, while others used the transcriber, some sat there waiting for instructions from the teacher! The students were excited and ran outside to find the space treasure! I discovered that the students who had chosen to transcribe the instructions had rushed and mis-typed the instructions so ended up on the wrong side of the oval! The active-sync group decided to take 2 PDAs outside so they were able to view the instructions while using the other PDA to record their answers. The only problem they encountered was the glare of the sun on the screen made it difficult to read the instructions. The students who voice recorded their instructions seemed to have no difficulty and even learnt how to use the Pause button! The students who were waiting for my instructions soon got the idea and joined the other teams. All the groups eventually found space treasure. They then created their own navigation courses and chose to voice re cord or transcribe instructions. At the end of the lesson all results were beamed back to me and appropriate points given.

PDA Progress

2006-09-05T12:02:00.000+10:00

Over the past few weeks, our team has brainstormed and discussed ideas and developed questions surrounding the development of the PDA Project. We have decided that we need to make a conscious effort to ensure the PDA activities do not remove the teacher from the learning. We are now at the beginning stages of developing our rich learning tasks. What an exciting time!

Building Pocket Bytes: Part II

2006-07-11T09:37:00.000+10:00

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:

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

Science experiments and handhelds

2006-07-10T14:57:00.000+10:00

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.

Results of the Pink Panther Mystery

2006-07-04T14:07:00.000+10:00

The grade 5/6 students at Broadmeadows PS have been investigating who stole the laptop from the Principal's office. Students were exposed to an e-byte taking them on a learning journey through a variety of forensic science activities to reveal the culprit. They used the PDAs and have learnt how to active sync their interviews and interview questions into their PowerPoint shows. So far the results have been impressive. I have found that using E-bytes in conjunction with PDAs has enabled the students to be motivated and independent in their learning.

Building a Pocket Byte: Part I

2006-05-08T11:54:00.000+10:00

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.

PDAs on excursions

2006-05-03T15:40:00.000+10:00

The 5/6s went on an excursion to the Victoria Market. Did we trust them with the PDAs?... we sure did! We decided to buy some langlard key chains which thread through the top left of the PDAs (similar to the mobile phones). The kids carried them around their necks for the day, allowing them to have instant access whenever they were required. This worked well, especially as they voice recorded members of the public. We amazingly didn't lose any of them!

TV Toonies

2006-05-01T08:47:00.000+10:00

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!!

An Ode to a Tree!

2006-04-28T13:44:00.000+10:00

The Media IT kids at Broadmeadows were encouraged to turn to their more sensitive side and write about their feelings. George and I went outside with the students and asked them to write an Ode on their PDAs choosing a natural object. The results were amazing. I don't know what it is that makes them feel more confident to write than using a pen and paper, but if we keep seeing this standard of writing I'll be using them more often!

Click here to view the subsequent eByte built from this activity

PDAs and Preps

2006-04-21T12:59:00.000+10:00

Today, the Preppies at Broadmeadows PS were introduced to the PDA voice recorder in science. As we are learning about the 5 senses, focussing on hearing today, I thought it would be great to play a "Who is that?" game. We found a quiet spot to sit and the children recorded a song into the PDA. They then had to guess whose voice they could hear! It was a great success!
Listen to some sample files:

How do you hyperlink from a Blog to multimedia content? Click here to go to George's eLearning blog post

PDA's and cicadas. What do they have in common?

2006-04-20T21:12:00.000+10:00

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

Experiementing with PDA's

2006-04-11T14:10:00.000+10:00

In our 4/5grade at Streeton it's been great watching the kids experiment with the PDA's. Although we are still only learning the functions, it's exciting watching the kids reactions and eagernes to discover something new. They (and I) are very excited when one of us discover something new...even changing font was exciting!!
Today we used them to type up the procedural process of chocolate making, the kids were so quite I could not believe it. With most things some students had difficulties and others picked up the functions with no problems! The difference at the end was they all had a comment to make and something to say that was positive.

BNPS: Clever use of Blogging for homework

2006-04-11T10:58:00.000+10:00

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.

PDA Day 1

2006-04-10T18:27:00.000+10:00

The children had their first day with the PDA's and adapted immediately to this environment.It was fascinating to watch as one function was discovered, the eagerness of each student to acquire this skill or teach this skill to another student. Students were absorbed by a variety of functions and used instruction manuals to discover finer points after exhausting any students they felt could have asssited. The dynamics in the interchange of ideas was thrilling! This tool certainly has potential to add "WOW" factor to classroom.

BNPS: The unboxing event

2006-04-10T12:56:00.000+10:00

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.

PDAs and reluctant readers

2006-04-09T20:02:00.000+10:00

At Streeton Primary we have had PDAs in our 4/5 classroom for a whole week now! We are enjoying "playing" to find out what we can do with them, and we're looking forward to having all the functions (like wireless, etc) fully available to us.
All the same, while observing, I found it amazing to see the enthusiasm of the students and teachers in exploring applications for the PDAs in the classroom.
While I've been working with kids with additional needs, I've found it really valuable to use with a very reluctant reader who has no idea of reading with expression, or applying punctuation. He recorded himself reading over and over again, until he was satisfied that it was fluent and sounded interesting - and he was very proud of the result! All done willingly and enthusiastically and I was able to attend to other things while he practiced with enthusiasm!

Science: Adaption with PDA's

2006-04-09T11:52:00.000+10:00

Mrs Fuller from BPS creatively used PDA's to engage students in learning about adaption.
Click here to view her blog.

Welcome to myPDA eWorld > Broady Bubble Bump!

2006-04-09T10:16:00.000+10:00

It is exciting to share the 'energy' of excited learners.
This week saw the introduction of Dell Axim X51 PDA / PocketPC's into Broadmeadows (BPS), Balwyn North (BNPS) and Streeton (SPS) Primary Schools.

At Broadmeadows PS we let the Media IT students explore and consider the possiblilities of the new technology. The most immediateley engaging feature was voice recording. How to maximise this eTool for enhanced learning is the first of many challenges. At Streeton, Principal, Marcia Lane discovered that a student focused on perfecting his reading ability by voice recording over and over till he was satisfied he had read a passage of text to the best of his ability.

At BPS we invented a game using the Bubble game. It is called the Broady Bubble Bump. Students race to get the max score in a given time frame. Round 1 = 1 min., R2 = 2, and final round is 3 min. At the end of each round the 5 lowest scorers are eliminated, but they participate in round 2. If they get a score higher than the valid players they can "bump" them out. Round 3 is a race to get the highest score.
At the start of each round PDA's must be docked displaying a new game. At "times up" call, each player must dock the PDA and place hands on heads. Then the scores are recorded.

This is an open Blog. We welcome your PDA experiences and comments. If you are an invited member of the Blog we hope you will add your experiences to share with others in this exciting project