Placing Palm Pilot handheld technology in the hands of introductory-level geoscience students during field experiences
Laura Guertin Penn State Delaware County
Author Profile
This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Peer Reviewed Teaching Activities collection.
HideGSA Poster (Acrobat (PDF) 1.3MB Nov5 04)
Learning Goals
Content/Concepts:introductory-level geoscience exercises using technology as a tool
Geologic Skills:
using technology for geoscience fieldwork
Higher Order Thinking Skills:
formulating hypotheses, figuring out what data to collect, how to process the data, interpret
Other Skills:
data collection, creating and interpreting graphs, writing scientific reports
Context
Instructional Level:undergraduate entry level, can use the technology tools in upper division and majors courses
Skills Needed:
students need some basic training to use the handheld technology before having the students use them in the field to collect data
Role of Activity in a Course:
the technology is used in field exercises that scaffold in the scientific method and technology use
Data, Tools and Logistics
Required Tools:students can use Palm Pilots, Pocket PCs, or other units that have been developed by PASCO and Vernier
Logistical Challenges:
keeping the batteries charged in the handheld units, students treating the equipment properly and with respect, technology becoming outdated
Evaluation
Evaluation Goals:can the students use the technology successfully? Does it streamline the data collection? Are students becoming more confident using technology?
Evaluation Techniques:
Description
Students use handheld computers (Palm Pilots) that have data collection forms, e-Books for reference, and instructional videos for assistance. The handhelds are used during field exercises for data collection. Upon hotsyncing the Palms, all data collected by the students are available online and easily exported to Excel for students to process, create graphs and interpret, etc.