Project Numina: Enhancing student learning with handheld computers

A convergence of technologies is giving small computing platforms, such as the pocket PC the ability to support telecommunications, audio and video applications, mathematical computations, word processing, electronic spreadsheets, and standard PDA functions. Wrapped into a single device, the handheld can replace all the traditional electronic hardware students commonly carry in their backpacks. Unfortunately, few high-quality educational applications are currently available for handhelds, especially in mathematics and science. The authors' extensive experience with commercially available and homegrown software suggests that using handhelds engages students more fully. Yet handheld technology also has many shortcomings. To address these deficiencies, they are developing a mobile learning environment designed to foster collaboration in a virtual learning community.