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Spearfish High School
Participants: Whitney Driscoll, Pat Gainey, Steve Gabriel, Doug Custis, Tiffany Henwood, Anne Lyon, and Tim Gusso
In the fall of 2002, Spearfish High school received a grant of $20,000
from the Lawrence County Commission to fund a program involving the introduction
of handheld computers into the classroom.
We have integrated the use of handheld computers into Biology II, CISCO,
World Geography, Algebra I, and Special Education. Our technology consultant
and his computer practicum class have also been very involved in the program.
Each teacher was asked to select one class to participate. Every student
in those particular classes was provided a Palm handheld computer. The
school also purchased several portable keyboards for student use. With
the assistance of a LOFTI technology grant, we entered into a partnership
with TIE, an organization promoting Technology and Innovation in Education,
for training and professional development.
The objectives of this program are to develop the organizational skills
of students and to introduce them to new technology and new methods of
accessing and processing information, thus ultimately enhancing and increasing
student achievement.
In this program students have learned to take notes, calculate, sketch
ideas, collect data, access resources, and manage activities. Students
also use their Palm handheld devices to schedule appointments with faculty,
turn in assignments electronically, research academic requirements, take
tests and quizzes and obtain class materials. It is a great way for students
to keep track of accurate data and to support their projects overall.
Although each student was issued a handheld computer, the devices are the property of the school district. Much like a textbook, teachers issued students a handheld, and the students are required to return it when the course is completed. Students are encouraged to take the handheld home with them. The use of the handheld computers will be regulated by the school’s computer use policy found in the student handbook that was signed by parents and students and handed in by each student.
Spearfish Lessons implementing the use of handhelds
