Using Palm Handhelds in the Classroom
Hands-on Workshop at Aquinas College
November 14, 2003

Over twenty education students and faculty members from the Aquinas College School of Education participated in a COATT-sponsored "Handhelds in the Classroom" workshop on November 14, 2003.

A Palm M-130 with folding keyboard was issued to each participant to use during the two-hour workshop. The top shareware programs available for Palm OS systems were presented and numerous other popular programs described, thus giving everyone an idea of the variety of tools available for these devices.

" Most participants had never had the opportunity to use a handheld computer before and were very curious about this technology. Through a combination of demonstrations and hands-on practice, everyone had the opportunity to experience first-hand why so many educators are excited about using handheld computers with K-12 students. This relatively inexpensive, but powerful, technology makes one-to-one computing and student collaboration a reality," states Susan English, Aquinas College professor and COATT representative.

Student and faculty member attendees have plans to obtain a handheld computer of their own so that they could begin using this innovative technology with their students. English adds, "At least two education students put "Palms" on their Christmas lists, and one faculty member successfully got a mini-grant to purchase a Palm handheld following this seminar!"