Title: Teacher Digital Assistant
Performer(s):
Phillip Duncan
Search Technology
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Cluster: EAGIL
Contact Information:
Phone: 770-441-1457
Fax: 770-263-0802
email: pduncan@searchtech.com
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1. Instructional Focus:
Content areas/topics: Not content specific; usable for all subjects.
Process skills: Not applicable.
2. Target Population: K-12 teachers.
3. Summary Description: The product developed in this project will be a hand-held device capable of two-way communication with a more powerful desktop computer, which will contain a "teacher associate" system. Among the key features of this Eds digital assistant (TDA) would be:
- portable messaging,
- handwriting recognition for notetaking,
- remote control of teacherŐs associate software.
During the first year of the project, developers will survey DoDDS instructors to determine which classroom tasks could be better performed by a TDA than with a desktop system. In conjunction with the needs analysis, a technology analysis will be performed to compare the effectiveness of TDA-EDs in assisting in the tasks identified in the needs analysis. These analyses will direct the development of a prototype TDA to be introduced to DoDDS teachers. During the second year they will introduce the prototype TDA in pilot schools and evaluate it. Throughout the process the developers will employ a user-centered approach.
4. Training and Staff Development:
- Teacher prerequisite skills/knowledge needed: No special skills required.
- Student prerequisite skills needed: Not applicable.
- Training needed/provided: None specified.
- Technical support needed/provided: None specified.
5. Technological/Resources Needed: None specified.
6. Intended Outcomes:
Students: Not applicable.
Teachers: None specified.
7. Instructional Time Required: Integrated into normal teaching procedures.
8. Role of the Pilot Teacher(s): Before the prototype is developed, the teachers will be surveyed to determine what tasks they could perform more efficiently with a TDA than with a desktop system. Their responses will be used to develop the prototype TDA. During the second year, the TDA will be introduced into pilot schools and teachers will provide feedback to the developers.
9. Example(s) of the Use of this Product (Scenario): A teacher circulates through a third grade classroom. As she helps children individually, she uses the TDA to make notes on what she observes. She records individual studentŐs progress on the computer located on her desk using the remote control features of the TDA.
