| Author |
Message |
Steve Jefferies (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 25
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 2:36 pm: |       |
Are PDA's an effective and realistic method for assessing learning in PE classes or do they take too much time? While the technology appears to offer many advantages over paper and pencil assessment tools, does it take too much time to administer? What's your experience? Please share. |
Julie Starks
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 02, 2005 - 7:03 pm: | |
I have a Palm that is 3 yrs old. My school uses Gradquick for our gradebook software. This software has a PDA version but it does not include many of the variables or options available on my desktop. As the only teacher using a PDA in the building, I have little or no assistance when problems arise. The main problem is that my PDA operates with standard batteries. When I change them, I lose my "add-on" software and re-installing is more difficult than I can describe.
So for me, the PDA is not efficient. AS a result, I quit using it this fall.
It could be useful. But even when it was working, I found the time it took to scroll through the class list prevented me from "seeing" much of the action I could view if I was lookinig at a clipboard with an entire class list in view.
I did like having medical information readily available and more of a history of assessment available with the PDA than with a single sheet of paper.
I did like quickly downloading the daily assessment into my desktop at the end of the day.
I have followed posts to NASPE-Talk about PDA's and the information seems mixed.
I hope this forum provides more comments!
Julie Starks
St. Rita School
Racine, WI |
Patrick Walters (Coachwalters)
New member
Username: Coachwalters
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 03, 2005 - 7:00 am: | |
I am beginning to use my Palm Tungsten T3 for student evaluation in the gym. I use a simple spreadsheet in Excel (Documents to Go) where I can score students on their skills and such. I then connect the Palm to my desktop and it syncronizes the spreadsheet to the desktop so I can work a little easier.
I have looked a a few other Handheld solutions and they are either too expensive or not applicable to Phys Ed. For example I was looking at Polar for heart rate monitors for my students. They have a very interesting program that includes a PDA ( I think its a Dell Axiom), some type of cart with a computer on it and heart rate monitors. The system seemed perfect, but the $10,000 they wanted was way out of my budget. Perhaps I'll write a grant, but for now, My PDA does just fine.
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Brian C. Smith (Bsmith2)
New member
Username: Bsmith2
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 03, 2005 - 9:17 am: | |
I have been using PDAs for about 6-7 years now and I love them. They take some time to get used to (i.e. - smaller screen, different interface on Palms), but the value of having all my student's data with me is unmeasurable. I also currently use Documents-to-Go for student assessments (there are others more interesting and powerful, yet too expensive as mentioned above). I also use the PIM (personal information management) software (i.e. - Contacts, Memo Pad, Datebook, etc.) for my schedule, anecdotal notes, and student phone addresses and locker information. (I can share more info if interested).
I have trained several area districts on the use of handhelds in physical education and have used many of the applications out there.
I also own a PocketPC Dell Axim X3i (windows version PDA for those unaware) because some of our area districts have won PEP grants and are using Polars PE Manager software that integrates with the Axim. I wanted to be familiar with that software program, however, the cost is far to great for an individual to purchase themselves. I'll save my gripe for another posting.
Overall, I think handhelds are the way to go for most PE teachers. For most of us, paperwork is taboo. Handhelds can significantly cut down on the paperwork if their limits are understood.
I'd be happy to share more experiences with anyone.
Thanks,
Brian C. Smith
Webster, NY |
Josephine Pinto (Grcjo)
New member
Username: Grcjo
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 03, 2005 - 3:09 pm: | |
Our school district bought FitnessGram, Polars TriFit and PE manager Software. We have been having trouble getting the programs and students onto the PDA's. I would like to start using something on my PDA, I have an HP 3970 and an older Palm IIIx I believe. I teach approx 400+ students in each week so it is really hard to do assessments, attendance, comments, etc.. We have a really good curriculum but trying to assess is a chore. Since I only see them once every 4 days, without school interruptions, I'd like to be able to check off as we go instead of trying to use a class period to do it. Any help would be appreciated.
Josephine Pinto
Hunter College 75
Andersen Elementary School Guam |
Brian C. Smith (Bsmith2)
Junior Member
Username: Bsmith2
Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2005 - 6:59 pm: | |
I know that the PE Manager software will not work on your Palm IIIx as Polar has developed it for PDAs running Windows Mobile (PocketPC, Windows CE).
How much training were you given on the use of the handhelds? Have you been able to "sync" data from your PC to your handheld device?
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Scott Tomassetti (Scottt40)
New member
Username: Scottt40
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2005 - 8:55 pm: | |
I have used both the Palm and the Pocket PC for many years. I would agree the best way to use them is by adopting the use of the common spread sheet, or Excel. This allows the the greatest degree of flexibility, and also takes little time to create reports and profile data. |
Donald J. Levine (Ctmanpe)
Junior Member
Username: Ctmanpe
Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 6:56 am: | |
We've been using the Dell Axim with Polar's PE manager. We received a grant (PEP) and our district has been using them exclusively for attendance, rubric scoring, and the like. I've trained in New Mexico with Polar and it was excellent.
In training my district Physical Educators I've found that they have been very receptive. It's tough to teach those that have never used technology but it's amazing what a little coaxing will do. From my point of view, technology can be great but make sure you have paper backup just in case the system shuts down or the power is off. Hope that helps. |
Jill Brown
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 4:38 pm: | |
I have an iPAQ 5555 which is a refurbished model. I have just started creating my own Excel spread sheets for rubric and checklist type assessments as I have checked places like Handango and have not found any appropriate software. I have only had it since last May and have had to get used to dealing with a variety of problems (mainly low battery status). As long as I set it on it's charger each night and make sure I sync it with my laptop, I have been OK. I also purchased a folding keyboard and use it to make notes, write lessons, etc. in Word. It is much more convenient than a laptop! I would be in "hog heaven" if Fitnessgram made a palm friendly version. |
Brian C. Smith (Bsmith2)
Junior Member
Username: Bsmith2
Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 7:24 pm: | |
I agree that having a FITNESSGRAM program would be handy. I believe there was one that was compatible with FITNESSGRAM, but I'm not sure if it is available any longer.
I'd be interested to see some examples of spreadsheets any of you have made to use on the handhelds.
Has anyone used video on their handheld in class?
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Scott Tomassetti (Scottt40)
Junior Member
Username: Scottt40
Post Number: 7
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 5:36 pm: | |
Brian:
Commonly, Spread sheets in a handheld need to display 'Freeze' columns and small font sizes in cells.
Typically I create a Spread sheet and freeze the column right after the last or first name or some other column that is needed like Heart Rate Monitor numbers assignments.
You can then scroll over to the next column for the date or assessment to place rubric in.
Example: RoleTemplate_PDA can be found in the shared documents section of the public portal on pe1.org (URL = http://fitness1st.net/public/PE1org%20Public%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.htm ). In the example I have one workbook with many worksheets for each class and one for the rubric. There is really only one class set up, but you can create new workbooks in the Insert Menu in Excel and then Right Click to rename them by room number. You freeze the column by selecting the column to the right of the one you want to stay put, and go to the ‘Window’ menu and select “Freeze”.
Also in the share documents sections is an example of how to use Excel with a PDA to calculate THR. (TargetHeartRate_PDA.xls) Just enter the subjects AGE!
You can also use cut and paste the cell containing the calculation that calculates BMI. (BMI Class Record Template.xls) I hope this was helpful!
Scott
http://pe1.org
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Scott Tomassetti (Scottt40)
Junior Member
Username: Scottt40
Post Number: 8
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 5:43 pm: | |
I had at one point also created a template to keep track of golf scores on the local course in my neck of the woods. It actually also kept track of the variables on my shots with + or - yard from target RT LT Short Long. Kept track of number of puts, what club was played. I cannot find it right now, but maybe I will do a search on this computer at some point. |
william atlas (Billatlas)
Junior Member
Username: Billatlas
Post Number: 4
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 9:14 am: | |
We use HEALTHSTAR TRACKER on a PDA and it is very flexible on grading and fitness testing. Our tech people we able to download entire class lists from the district computer, so I didn't even have to manually put the kid's names in.
All FitnessGram, Presidential, and HealthScreen fitness testing are inclued in the program, along with the score domains. Also, you can set your own fitness testing to be class or sport specific. |
Scott Tomassetti (Scottt40)
Junior Member
Username: Scottt40
Post Number: 14
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 8:19 am: | |
For those using the connecticut assessment, I have create Excel Templates for collecting fitness data that will automatically provide students and teachers with pertinent data, such as: passing falling, and the state's maditory scoring sheet.
The Workbooks have more than one sheet, and there are powerpoint slideshows describing their use on http://pe1.org in the members portal. |
Teresa Fields (Tfiel2)
New member
Username: Tfiel2
Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 7:31 pm: | |
I LOVE my PDA(Tungsten E) along with Easy Grade Pro(EGP) Teacher software. No more paper, EGP allows for notes, importing of student data from district computer system. I use it for attendance, grading etc...also documenting fitness information in the roll book. I sync to computer and submit disk with grades to school office. NO MORE ROLL CARDS and copying information to the roll book. It takes 10 minutes to charge using adapter and usually last 2 days. I have also used the Fitnessgram software and love it..I too wish it were available for PDA. The students love it too. |
Ed Kupiec
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 5:34 pm: | |
I agree that PDA's are the way to go. I use a Pocket PC with an extensize Excel spreadsheet that I've customized to work on 1 - 2 screens to make entry the most efficient. This is a problem I have with Pocket PE Manager, it requires too much time manipulating to get to the attendance, dress, participation, rubrics, etc... Pocket Excel also runs much faster. My spreadsheet calculates rubrics, grades, tracks attendance, unprepareds, etc... For example, during my gymnastics assessment, I could give the students "instant" scores by plugging in the rubric values. In fact, I always have up to the second attendance and grade information to share with students, parents, or administrators. I do not need to do any calculation at the end of interims and marking periods. It's already done. Also, with Excel the other members of the department can use the same spreadsheet format so we are all on the same page. I'm hoping to present on this and using the Excel information to generate student reports at the NYSAHPERD Conference.
In addition to using Excel for tracking, I do have to give Polar credit for the Pocket TriFit and the Cardio Timer. I think those work very well and have greatly simplified my collection of fitness assessment data.
Ed Kupiec
Manlius, NY |
Scott Tomassetti (Scottt40)
Member
Username: Scottt40
Post Number: 25
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 7:15 am: | |
Dear PDA users. There is an online course offered by CNET HELP which might be helpful to new users, and as a purchase guide at:
http://courses.help.com/courses/overview.jsp?cours eId=2380&mcid=e407&tag=nl.e407
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chris branson
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 2:25 pm: | |
I am teaching in a new school and they want to go to PDA for attendance and grades for PE teachers. Which PDA would be good? ( I have no experience with PDA). Thanks, CHris |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 9:30 am: | |
If you are using a Pocket PC running Windows 2002 or higher, the new edition of FITNESSGRAM will work on it. |
Scott Tomassetti (Scottt40)
Member
Username: Scottt40
Post Number: 28
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2005 - 9:14 am: | |
I had done a comparison of the Palm and Pocket PC in the January 2005 Technology Section of Pelinks4u.org. I have used both and prefer the Pocket PC to the Palm as it enables me to work with excel and word files natively. |
vwojtow@ladue.k12.mo.us
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 01, 2005 - 8:31 am: | |
What about compatibility with macs compared to PC's? Our school uses macs and we are looking into palms for PE. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks. |
Brian C. Smith (Bsmith2)
Junior Member
Username: Bsmith2
Post Number: 6
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 02, 2005 - 8:48 am: | |
I am working with several school districts that are curious as to what is working with the Palm & PocketPC. I do know that FG 8.0 works on the PocketPC 2002 or higher. Is there an app on the FG 8.0 installation that is automatically installed? |
Brian C. Smith (Bsmith2)
Junior Member
Username: Bsmith2
Post Number: 7
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 02, 2005 - 8:51 am: | |
I do have a Mac, but it's being repaired now. I think if your schools are using Macs, the Palm OS is the way to go. Though there aren't, to my knoweledge, any high end assessment tools similar to the FITNESSGRAM or PE Manager (Polar) available. If there are please advise. |
RoleTemplate_PDA
TargetHeartRate_PDA
