How to use Built-In Applications with Students

After learning more in-depth information about the basics of the palm, the real challenge was evident. How can we use these basic, business type programs in education? After a spell of thinking "outside the box," I discovered some obvious ways to enhance the curriculum and increase motivation in all my classes.

Address Book

An OPS standard in 4th grade is to have students keep a book log of all the books they've read, focusing mainly on multicultural literature. In addition, students are asked to give an oral book report about a book they've read. The reading class I teach is quite advanced and the students love to read, especially books recommended by other students. Using the customized categories and labeling them as follows: Title, Author, Authors Purpose, Rating, and Summary, students could record digitally all the books they read instead of using a notebook. But the coolest part would be that they could then beam their favorite books to their friends. It'd be like having the best reading books in the palm of your hand all the time. Students could take their handhelds to the library when checking out books and use the database as a reference to find something interesting to read. At the end of the year, students could have a huge list of summer reading books too!

Spelling words/sentences/definitions would be organized and accessible as well as beamible (if that's a word)!

Memos and Calendar

The most obvious function is for students to use their handheld as their daily planner. Listing when assignments are due, and writing the directions in the Memo Pad section. Students would also be able to rank their task lists as to prioritize tasks. A teacher can even beam the directions and due dates to students who miss class, or they can get them from other students.

Task Lists and Note Pad

What a great way for students to do math work on the notepad, explain it in the task list or memo pad, step by step, and then beam their work to another student and through conversation figure out different methods for solving similar problems.

A teacher could also put up a quiz on the overhead or project it while students write their answers on the memo pad or to do list and then beam them to the teacher. I think quizzler might be a lot like this.

All Applications

I teach the 4th graders economics. We do a hands on project where students work in groups to create something to sell or a service to provide. Students then keep track of expenses and income. All applications would be used as students schedule, create a business plan, and use the calculator to track cash flow, etc.

Teaching in general
The handheld would allow a teacher to walk around, monitor and record what they see, and even take a picture if they have a camera on their handheld. It's a fast, easy way to take annectdotal notes. For a detailed list of ways teachers use basic handheld applications, go to http://www.techlearning.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=12803444

I know there are many more ways to use these applications and I'll add more as I think of them.