Leveraging Handhelds to Increase Student Learning: Engaging Middle School Students with the Mathematics of Change

Handheld computers are poised to build upon the success of graphing calculators in mathematics classrooms, as they share important characteristics such as small size and low cost, while increasing representational richness. However, few studies provide evidence that these devices can help students learn complex mathematics. In this paper we provide such evidence. We show that the communication capabilities and representational infrastructure of handheld computers can support a variety of effective learning activities, ranging from activities that are collaborative to activities that are practice-oriented. Furthermore, we show that eighth grade students who participated in a month-long curriculum using our handheld technologies outperformed high school students on AP Calculus Exam items.

[1]  Stephen Hegedus,et al.  The Effect of a SimCalc Connected Classroom on Students' Algebraic Thinking , 2005 .

[2]  Joseph Krajcik,et al.  Portable Technologies: Science Learning in Context. Innovations in Science Education and Technology. , 2001 .

[3]  H. Doerr,et al.  You have printed the following article : Creating Meaning for and with the Graphing Calculator , 2008 .

[4]  Uri Wilensky,et al.  Networked Gridlock: Students Enacting Complex Dynamic Phenomena with the HubNet Architecture , 2000 .

[5]  Phil Vahey,et al.  Handhelds Go to School: Lessons Learned , 2003, Computer.

[6]  Ann L. Brown,et al.  How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school. , 1999 .

[7]  B. White.  ThinkerTools: Causal Models, Conceptual Change, and Science Education , 1993 .

[8]  Noel Enyedy,et al.  Learning probability through the use of a collaborative, inquiry-based simulation environment , 2000 .

[9]  L. Shepard.  The Role of Assessment in a Learning Culture , 2000 .

[10]  Phil Vahey,et al.  FIVE KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR NETWORKING IN A HANDHELD-BASED MATHEMATICS CLASSROOM , 2005 .

[11]  Mitchel Resnick,et al.  Participatory simulations: using computational objects to learn about dynamic systems , 1998, CHI Conference Summary.

[12]  John C. Miller,et al.  A Viable Alternative , 2004 .

[13]  A. Su,et al.  The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics , 1932, The Mathematical Gazette.

[14]  RoschelleJeremy,et al.  Handhelds Go to School , 2003 .

[15]  J. Roschelle.  Designing for cognitive communication: epistemic fidelity or mediating collaborative inquiry? , 1997, Computers, Communication and Mental Models.

[16]  J. Roschelle.  Learning by Collaborating: Convergent Conceptual Change , 1992 .