Wichita Public Schools has been supporting an ongoing program of handheld computer use by students, staff, and administration over the past 3 years.

Students in 21st century schools need convenient 1:1 access to technology tools. Handheld computer fulfill that need very well in our K-12 classrooms. Teachers report that students in handheld classrooms are more often authentically engaged, have fewer absences and write more that in the past.

Teachers and administrators in the district are using handheld computers to allow for mobile data collection as we move toward data based decision making. They are being provided training and canned software programs to help collect data regarding standards, behavior, instruction, parental visitations and instructional improvement.

The Handheld Educators Leadership Project, a collaborative effort between Wichita Public Schools and Wichita State University was created to help teachers use handheld computers in their classrooms for instruction and data collection. Over 20 district schools have participated in the program over the past 2 years.

Members of H.E.L.P. have presented at local, state, and national level conferences about their successful use of handheld computers in their classrooms.

We currently are supporting the use of Palm handheld computers in the classroom. Teachers and other staff members have their choice of platform.

Many of our classrooms have hosted visits by teachers and administrators from other districts interested in handheld computing. Please contact Jim Clark if you are interested in visiting one of our classrooms to observe the excitement generated by handheld technology.