A Great Idea When It Was Written

What

The article covers the use of handheld computers, sometimes called personal digital assistants or PDAs, to create concept maps as an alternative to creating concept maps using paper and pencil or a traditional desktop computers. It details the experience of a group of ninth-grade biology students in Maryland who used Palm handhelds to create concept maps.

The article was written by Regina Royer and Jeff Royer. Regina Royer teaches educational technology courses at Salisbury Univesity and Jeff teaches biology at a high school in Maryland. Jeff is also an adjunct instructor in educational technology at Salisbury University. As both authors teach courses on educational technology, it follows that they have a strong interest in the subject that led them to pursue this study.

So What

The students in the study were Jeff Royer's students. During the spring of 2003, they created concept maps on paper, on a desktop computer and on a Palm handheld computer. The study found that most of the students preferred using the handheld computers over the paper because it was easier and faster to get the task done. Students also preferred the handheld over the desktop computer because of the handheld's portability (it did not require a trip to the computer lab).

Cutting edge Palm handheld circa 2003 (Image from http://www.mobiletechreview.com)

The teacher found that his students were more interested and motivated in the project than they were with the other methods. The only drawback was that larger concept maps could not fit onto a single screen like they would on a desktop, forcing viewers to scroll around to view parts of the concept map.

Now What

The article is from 2004. Handheld computers have become obsolete since then and have been replaced by smartphones and tablet computers, so the authors' statement than handheld computers are the future is somewhat painful to read. Putting aside that fact, the study does show that students are adaptable to using technology in the classroom. The touch screens and portability of tablets make them appealing to students who do not want to be tethered to a keyboard. Tablet computers could be used in place of handhelds once the cost comes down.

Future classroom use of the iPad? From ProjectGreenApple

This article did not provide any new revelations or open new doors to me, though it was probably considered an exciting new idea when it came out in 2004. I consider myself to be familiar with the potential of tablet computers in an educational setting, both to simplify tasks and improve student interest. It is just a matter of finding the right hardware and software; since this article is eight years old, the hardware and software mentioned in it is already obsolete.

If anything, this article made me think about how quickly the technology we embrace today can become obsolete by the next new, exciting thing to come along. It reminds me that as an educator, it will be important to keep constantly up-to-date on the technology available for the classroom.




Source:
Royer, R., & Royer, J. (2004). What a concept! using concept mapping on handheld computer. Learning & Leading With Technology, 31(5), 12-16. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Store/Product?ID=1629