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Smartphones Connect Students, Teachers
on May 21, 2009
As part of a pilot program at Trinity Meadows Intermediate School, fifth-graders in two classes have smartphones to use in the classroom and at home, The Keller Citizen reports.
The phone application is disabled, but the devices give students 24/7 computer access. They can use the device to surf the Web to do research, send messages to teachers or other students, receive reviews for tests, create projects and write reports. After receiving the hand-held computers in January, students have improved their social skills with group projects and oral reports, said Principal Ron Myers.
Some less tech-savvy parents expressed concerns that they wouldn't be able to help should their child have technical problems, said Cynthia Varela, one of the teachers in the program.
"We convinced them that it was OK: Your child will teach you as you go," she said.
District officials hope to continue the program next year, even though the technology director isn't sure whether the devices will be hand-held computers like the Apple iTouch or mini-laptop computers. The goal is for students to each have their own computers that replace most textbooks and paperwork.
For the complete story, visit www.kellercitizen.com.
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