What is handheld learning?
Handheld learning is possible through an ever increasing number of portable technological devices, for example, the Nintendo DS or IPad's and Iphone's. It gives the user the opportunity to create, develop and expand learning through the use of current advances in technology - creating a learning environment where the learning is in their hands....anytime, any place, anywhere.
Nintendo DS
IPad
IPhone
Andrew Pinder, CBE, Chairman of Becta (Bringing Educational Creativity To All ) - when discussing Handheld Learning - states that
Technology has the power to transform education and learning in the UK. Indeed, the Government has already announced that technology should no longer be treated as an optional extra but as a necessity....creating a more exciting, rewarding and successful experience for learners of all ages and abilities. (Pinder.A,2008,p.1.)
The Curriculum For Excellence 'Technologies' Experiences and Outcomes state that learning in the technologies enables me to:
Develop an understanding of the role and impact of technologies in changing and influencing societies.
Gain the confidence and skills to embrace and use technologies now and in the future, at home, at work and in the wider community (P1).
During This week we were given a task to create a handheld learning activity to be undertaken by a group of local school children. Our group decided to create a campus treasure hunt using iphones as the hand held device. Pupils were to follow clues around campus and carry out any tasks required at each stop. We incorporated the use of the iphone by creating clues that were hidden in 'QR Codes'. (QR Codes are an adaptation of bar codes where a grid picture is created to hide a hidden massage.) Pupils were to use the QR Code reader Application on the iphone to scan the code and read the instruction before they could move on to the next location of the treasure hunt.
An example of a QR Code -
The class undertook the activity on Thursday afternoon. There were 9 pupils in our group. We ensured that they were given a quick demonstration of how to use the iphones and how to access the QR codes before they began. The pupils then spent approximately 45 minutes completing the activity.
We obtained feedback using the iphones by asking the pupils to answer some questions about the activity using a poll question site called polleverywhere.com. Pupils typed in a number code then gave feedback about what they thought of the activity. The results were as follows -
80% of pupils enjoyed the activity
10% of pupils stated it was ok and
10% of pupils stated they did not enjoy it.
All agreed that using various types of hand held technology would be enjoyable in the classroom and the could see how it could help support their learning.
Referencing
Pinder, A. (2008)Handheld Learning. Available on line at: http://www.handheldlearning.co.uk/content/view/58/60/. Accessed 040312.
