NASA Grant Researches Handhelds in the Classroom
CET Fri Oct 1 2004 

A $300,000 grant from NASA will help the NASA-sponsored Classroom of the Future to conduct research on handheld computer technology and its use in the classroom.

The grant supplements a grant the Classroom of the Future received in 2003 to create five e-Missions™ for NASA Explorer Schools to use in grades six through eight. Explorer Schools partner with NASA to participate in real-life experiences.

An e-Mission allows students to tackle through distance learning a real-life problem or event, using NASA technology and research as a launching point. One of the e-Missions being tested asks students to fly a virtual plane over the surface of Mars and choose the best location to build the first base on the red planet. Students employ a variety of math skills, especially geometry and trigonometry, in trying to determine the optimal location for the base.

“We’re looking at ways to use handheld computers with our e-Missions,” says Steven McGee, Ph.D., chief research and development officer for the Classroom of the Future. “We first want to see how teachers can use existing handheld software programs for the e-Missions, then we want to incorporate NASA content into the handheld software.”

During October and November the Classroom of the Future will be testing the five e-Missions. A total of 30 pilot tests are scheduled. St. Vincent de Paul School, Mount de Chantal Montessori School, and the AGAPE Baptist Church after school program, all in Wheeling, took part in testing on Sept. 29.

November 10, 2004