Designing Ubiquitous Computers for Education

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Designing Ubiquitous Computers for Education

• Sherry Hsi
• Post-doc Researcher
• hsi_at_socrates.berkeley.edu

http//www.concord.org/sherry/cilt/index.html
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Abstract
Many new technologies like pocket computers,
low-power chips, pico-watt radios, and wireless
networking infrastructures are being developed
concurrently by universities, industry, and
business communities. However, for applications
built upon these technologies to be successful
for children and the education community,
research needs to understand what are the special
needs of learners and instructors, as well as the
kinds of collaboration, guidance, and activities
that need to be supported for learning. How
should wireless technologies be designed to
ensure the needs of learners are met? What is
an ideal configuration of a wireless device for
learning? What are some learner-centered design
methodologies? This research explores the design
of portable, wireless technologies for learning
to support communication and collaboration among
K-12 students and teachers in both formal and
informal instructional settings. In studying how
children use wireless technologies in schools,
museums, homes, and the outdoors, we can develop
new specifications and impact the design of
future handheld learning devices.
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Research Questions

• How should wireless technologies be designed to
  ensure the needs of learners are met?
• What are some learner-centered design
  methodologies?
• What are the affordances of pocket computers for
  robust learning in science?
• What is the role of the teacher? the user
  interface?

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Methods

• Conduct several pilot studies using existing
  portable technologies
• Study affordances and limitations in different
  scenarios in education
• Measure impact on learning and teaching
• Refine learner-centered design methodologies
• Develop design specifications for near future
  products via partnerships

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Wireless Learning Scenario
Knowledge Network Net courses, data sets,
modeling tools, activities
Field notes
Virtual teacher
Internet
Digital capture
Real-time data collection
sensors
Students at Remote Schools
Home
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Pilot Study 1

• Berkeley High School
• N160, 10-12th grade
• TI Calculator-based lab
• Sensors (Vernier)
• Water quality monitoring at Strawberry Creek
• Web-based Curriculum
• March 1999

http//wise.berkeley.edu/WISE/demos/SCCHEM2/
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Pilot Study 2

• Kennedy HS, Fremont
• Palm computers
• ImagiWorks interface
• Sensors for pH, flow rate, dissolved oxygen,
  conductivity, light
• Water quality monitoring at Alameda Creek
• Web-based Curriculum

http//wise.berkeley.edu/WISE/demos/alameda/
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Research Partnerships

• Hastings Nature Reserve
• The Concord Consortium
• The MIT Media Lab

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Research Sponsors

• Palm Computing
• ImagiWorks, Inc.
• BWRC
• Center for Innovative Learning Technologies

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Example of a SmartProbe

• CC Sonic ranger attached to Palm Pilot
• K-12 students investigate position, velocity,
  acceleration

CC Sonic ranger software application for Palm
Pilot