No one has jumped on the bandwagon with greater enthusiasm than Consolidated High School District 230 in Orland Park, Ill., which recently purchased 3,000 Palm IIIxe computers. Problem solving The investment is designed to support the district's new emphasis on problem-based learning, which requires students to identify problems, gather information, collect and analyze data, and propose solutions. The school uses wireless computer labs with racks of laptops that are wheeled into the classrooms, but the demand for these labs exceeded their availability. Because parents were resistant to the idea of investing in laptops, the relatively low-cost handheld computer was seen as a viable option. Although they've been in use only this school year, the Palms have proven popular, says district spokesperson Jim Sibley.
Students also use the computers to take notes on field trips and share data in science classes.
This data is easily downloaded for analysis without the need to retype the information from hundreds of paper worksheets. As with any technology, however, the value of the handheld computer will depend largely on whether school administrators, teachers, and students find the device particularly valuable for learning. And that, say educators and technology experts alike, is something that won't be known until more schools have put the handheld through its paces. It's not a silver bullet, but it has great potential, Schmeltzer says. I think it's helpful.