week 6 Blog posting

Week 6 Blog Posting

        Handheld computers are sometimes called “Personal Digital Assistants” because of there organizing functions, such as calendar, task, and memo tools. They can be used for many things like collecting data, cell phone service, WiFi technology for wireless Internett access and Bluetooth technology.  Most have a digital camera, audio recording, USB ports and even Global Positioning Systems (GPS).  Any activity that uses Internet in a classroom can be done on a handheld.  Students can use Bluetooth to send applications and files from one handheld to another.

            Another tool in the classroom is online survey tools Online survey tools give teachers the opportunity to collect data about anything.  The tools range in functionality, ease of use, and cost. While there are perfectly acceptable free online survey Web sites (e.g., Free Online Surveys), people who use them a lot may like the added features that the ones that cost.   Some of the sites are Cool Surveys and Zoomerang. Free survey sites typically limit the number of questions, responses, and/or participants that are allowed. Subscription survey tools are more likely to allow unlimited surveys, customizing options, and data analy- sis tools that filter results to help users find patterns in the data. Other survey tool features can include sharing of results, downloadable files for export to spread- sheets, randomizing the order of answer choices. One third-grade teacher described using a simple online survey to begin a nutrition unit with her students. As students answered questions about their eating habits and knowledge of nutrition, they also learned math skills.  With this information from the surveys she had all types of things to go off of for her lesson, like how many kids chose cookies as their favorite dessert, or the amount of sugar in there diets.

In my opinion in order to write a good survey about something, you need to know what questions to ask. You need to ask the questions that are going to get you the information you need.

            PDA’s and Online Survey Tools are two great ways to add technology to your classroom.

 (David  Jonassen. Meaningful Learning with Technology, 3rd Edition. Allyn & Bacon/CourseSmart, 06/01/2007. 29 - 30).