Handheld Application
Cedar Hills Elementary
What was the purpose of this project?
The original purpose of this project was to purchase software that will empower individual students using Handheld Computers.
Did the project fulfill that purpose? If so, how?
Due to the discontinuing of the original Palm that was used in the classroom, we were unable to gain access to the wireless system set in place at Cedar Hills. This means that the software would not be able to be used effectively. In brainstorming ideas to continue with the technology theme and the personalized learning theme, the AirLiner came up as something that could be used in the classroom. The AirLiner is an electronic notepad that is wireless. Students can use it to write on, save files on, move manipulatives on, and several other functions. The AirLiner then has the capacity to project its information onto the Smartboard that is in each Cedar Hills classroom. This allows students to not only have a wireless notepad in front of them; they can then demonstrate knowledge onto the Smartboard for the classroom to see.
Please include the number of students involved in this project, grade levels and subject areas covered.
The number of students that will be involved in this project for this year will be 55. The AirLiner will be used from year to year, so many more students will be impacted by its capabilities.
Describe how Foundation funds and this project benefited students.
This project will benefit students by allowing them to work at their own pace with an electronic notepad. They will then have the ability to project that onto the classroom Smartboard for the rest of the class to see. This will allow for personalized learning for each student and it will allow for a powerful demonstration of student work instantly.
Do you feel this project should be replicated in other schools throughout the district? Please explain.
This is a worthwhile project that should be replicated in other schools. The AirLiner is not confined to one classroom; it can be shared by many teachers throughout the building. This gives us the opportunity to positively impact many more students. Cedar Hills has the luxury to have Smartboards in every classroom, which makes the AirLiner more effectively used. This would have to be something to consider for other schools looking into utilizing AirLiners.
Other comments:
It is important to me and to my students that these funds were donated. We appreciate the support from everyone. We were disappointed that the software was not able to be used, but we are excited about the possibilities of the AirLiner. We think this helps us to meet our goal of personalized learning for all students.