Using Handheld Technologies in High School Economics

A School - University

Collaborative Design Project

Steve Lonn, CR/Rackham IT FellowDoctoral Student, School of Education

Rodney Williams & Christopher Quintana

Mentors & Professors, School of Education

Why Focus on Economics?

School subject often studied in high school Helps students understand the choices

individuals and organizations make in a world of scarce resources.

Included in Michigan social studies standards NAEP will test on economics in 2005-2006 Almost no research on teaching and learning in

economics

Project Goals

Improve high school students’ understanding of difficult concepts in economics

Collaborate on the design of inquiry-based unit and lessons

Experiment with the use of handheld technologies in social studies classrooms

Understand how this process influences both teachers and students

Participants

High school economics teachers (4 schools) High school students Pre-service teachers University professors Field instructors Graduate students Undergraduate students (UROP) TI technology trainer

Timeline

Fall 2003 Iterative design process for unit/lessons using

online planning tools and face-to-face sessions. Professional development for TI technology at

UM and at schools. Incorporation of TI technology into ongoing

design process for unit/lessons.

Timeline

Winter 2004 Finalize unit design (lesson research) Lesson Study in one classroom (January) Pre-test Teach unit (February – March) Post-test Reflect (lesson research)

Lesson Research

The research lesson refers to the lessons that teachers jointly plan, research, and discuss; lesson research (lesson study) is the process of instructional improvement – research lesson is core piece.

Lewis, C. (2000)

What is Lesson Research?

Define the problem Plan the lesson One teacher enacts the lesson Lesson is evaluated and reflected on Lesson is revised Revised lesson is enacted Further evaluation & reflection Results are shared with other teachers (and possibly beyond).

Pang, M.F. & Marton, F. (2003)

Teaching for Understanding (TfU) framework

Throughlines (overarching goals/big ideas/essential questions)

Generative topics Understanding goals Ongoing assessment Performances of understanding

TfU Design Tool

Includes TfU elements

Allows for feedback on each item

Discussion Board, etc. also available.

Powerful & Authentic Social Studies (PASS)

Standards: Meaningful Integrative Value-based Challenging Active

Criteria: Construction of knowledge Disciplined inquiry Value beyond school

Issues-Centered Social Studies

Involve multiple points of view, with insights from many fields of study

Emphasis on content AND development of advanced intellectual capabilities

Students are required to: Define problems Actively search for and evaluate evidence Make defensible decisions Engage in projects that impact persistent and pervasive real

world issues

Evans & Saxe (1996)

Bringing Design Elements Together

Iterative design process will utilize the TfU framework. Issues-Centered social studies will help clarify

throughlines and generative topics. PASS standards will be used throughout.

TfU framework has guidelines for technology integration.

Evaluation

Pre-Post testing Using standardized economics test

Classroom Observations Teacher Interviews Teacher PPI

Administered throughout the year Student PPI

Administered in Winter 2003 semester before, during, and after intervention.

Texas Instruments (TI) Hardware: TI-83+ Silver Edition

The most widely-used handheld in American high schools today.

Stores up to 94 Applications Applications available in Social

Studies, Mathematics, Science, English, etc.

Upgradeable via Computer Can be used on Standardized Tests

Keyboard and Cradle

Connects via Cradle

Full-Size Keys

Can be used to take notes, write in-class responses, etc.

Cables

Handheld to Handheld: Allows information sharing from one handheld to another.

USB: Allows information sharing between computer and handheld.

Uses TI Connect Software

Navigator System

Creates wireless networkfor TI technology.

Teacher sends & receives from computer.

Four students share hub that transmits wirelessly.

TI Connect Software

CellSheet Application

Spreadsheet Application

Basic formula creation

Graphing capabilities

Can import and export from Microsoft Excel using CellSheet Converter software.

StudyCards

Electronic Flashcards

Can also be used as quiz tool.

Create cards on Windows PC program.

Notefolio

Word processing application

Can use the keyboard to quickly type notes and share them with the teacher or other students.

Can also use Windows PC software to create or edit notes.

LearningCheck

Can create quizzes, polls, etc. Create documents on Windows PC program. Distribute & collect via Navigator system.

LearningCheck Activity

We would appreciate your feedback on our project design.

To accomplish this, we ask you to use the LearningCheck program on the TI-83+ SE handhelds.

Afterwards, we will display the results on-screen and discuss.

Questions