PocketPC-enhanced Pedagogical Approaches in Field Science and Large Lecture Settings

Peter A. Knoop and Ben van der Pluijm

Presentation Category: The role of mobile technology in customizing learning

As computational power and portability matures, it has become possible to enrich and expand the educational experience of students through the use of handheld technologies. In the GeoPad Project (http://geopad.org) we have been exploring the advantages of “GeoPockets” in science education; a GeoPocket is a PocketPC with wireless, GPS, and supporting scientific applications. Our efforts, initiated this past summer, have two foci: field-based courses, and large, introductory lectures.

In field settings, traditional computing resources are normally unavailable. Introducing GeoPockets into the curriculum, however, empowers students with immediate access to data exploration capabilities, enriching interactions and learning through in-the-field data analysis and hypothesis development and testing. Enhanced data collection practices also result in better quality control, as data can be explored and validated in the context of supporting information while still in the field.

In large lectures, we are experimenting with interactive spatial concept challenges, which seek to involve students in personal learning, and focuses attention on underlying concepts and variables. Students interact with and respond to the challenges through the GeoPocket, enabling rapid, large-scale small-group and student-instructor dialogue. Implementing this approach in science education offers new opportunities for engaging students in discourse and improving learning through peer and interactive instruction.