Using Handheld Technologies in High School Economics

1. Using Handheld Technologies in High School Economics A School - University Collaborative Design Project Steve Lonn, CR/Rackham IT Fellow Doctoral Student, School of Education Rodney Williams & Christopher Quintana Mentors & Professors, School of Education

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. 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)

9. Teaching for Understanding (TfU) framework • Throughlines • (overarching goals/big ideas/essential questions) • Generative topics • Understanding goals • Ongoing assessment • Performances of understanding

10. TfU Design Tool • Includes TfU elements • Allows for feedback on each item • Discussion Board, etc. also available.

11. Powerful & Authentic Social Studies (PASS) • Standards: • Meaningful • Integrative • Value-based • Challenging • Active • Criteria: • Construction of knowledge • Disciplined inquiry • Value beyond school

12. 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)

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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

16. Keyboard and Cradle • Connects via Cradle • Full-Size Keys • Can be used to take notes, write in-class responses, etc.

17. Cables • Handheld to Handheld: Allows information sharing from one handheld to another. • USB: Allows information sharing between computer and handheld. • Uses TI Connect Software

18. Navigator System • Creates wireless networkfor TI technology. • Teacher sends & receives from computer. • Four students share hub that transmits wirelessly.

19. TI Connect Software

20. CellSheet Application • Spreadsheet Application • Basic formula creation • Graphing capabilities • Can import and export from Microsoft Excel using CellSheet Converter software.

21. StudyCards • Electronic Flashcards • Can also be used as quiz tool. • Create cards on Windows PC program.

22. 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.

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

24. 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.

25. Questions