Abstract
The Flashcards application is designed for pen-based computers to create the feel of traditional paper-based flashcards while affording the many benefits of new media It includes a game-like mode, which allows students to play flashcards, just as one would while using conventional methods. Furthermore, the interface also incorporates pen recognition features that allow for instant gratification of students’ work. In addition, teachers are responsible for creating decks consisting of individual cards. Each deck may contain cards that are specifically designed for individual students or for entire content areas. In order to encompass the diversity of decks, cards are marked based on the content area. For K-12 education, standards-based learning has become the indicator of each card’s specific content area. Our application is poised to have deep standards integration by making it easier for the teacher to identify problem areas for students based on the current standards set by states and the country. Additionally, teachers can import existing word documents and PowerPoint slides as decks. Pictures can be added to cards for visually inclined students as well. The Flashcard application is being developed using an incremental release approach so that user feedback can be obtained and the product can be adjusted to meet their needs. In this paper, we offer the results from the second iteration of the application, which was designed specifically for grades K-2. The results were gathered from a series of beta tests, which took place in two kindergarten classrooms, one first grade classroom and one second-grade classroom in December of 2013. Based on the data collected, we surmised conclusions that will help foster the development of our application. In addition, we offer possible directions toward which the application could be headed in the future.
Completed Under the Supervision of Dr. Ananda Gunawardena, Carnegie Mellon University, School of Computer Science
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Koedinger, K., & Jeong, Y. (2010). Designing a pen-based flashcard application to support classroom learning environment, In Proceedings of ACMSIGCHI conference (CHI ’10) (Atlanta, Georgia, April 10–15, 2010). ACM Press, New York, NY, 2010, 978-1-60558-930-5
Layton, L. (2013). “Elementary students learn keyboard typing ahead of new common core tests.” Washington Post. The Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2013. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.
South Fayette Township Elementary School. http://www.southfayette.org/Domain/10. Accessed on 15 December 2013.
Acknowledgements
The production of this application was not possible without the acknowledgement of several key individuals. Particularly, Dr. Ananda Gunawardena, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, Ms. Aileen Owens, Director of Technology and Innovation, South Fayette School District, and Mr. Shad Wachter, Instructional Technology Specialist, South Fayette School District were pivotal in aiding us. The expertise and guidance that Dr. Gunawardena provided was very much appreciated by the group. His knowledge and expertise allowed us to go beyond the existing curriculum offered at South Fayette and through his mentorship, we were able to keep the project on task. In addition, Ms. Owens facilitated the connection between Carnegie Mellon and South Fayette that was necessary in order to foster the growth of our application. While Dr. Gunawardena aided us in the technical aspects of the development process, Ms. Owens and Mr. Wachter were instrumental in helping retain the educational component, particularly with the standards-based education information. We are also very thankful to Superintendent Dr. Bille Rondinelli, the South Fayette Board of Education, and the South Fayette Foundation for Excellence, for providing necessary resources and their enthusiastic support for this project over the last 2 years. We are also grateful for the teachers and administration of South Fayette Township Elementary School for being actively involved in beta testing the Flashcards application. We appreciate the time they invested to help us with this project.
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Kothuri, R., Kenawell, B., Hertzler, S., Babatunde, M., Wilke, N., Cohen, S. (2015). Analyzing Trends in Pen Computing among K-2 Students Through Flashcards Application. In: Hammond, T., Valentine, S., Adler, A., Payton, M. (eds) The Impact of Pen and Touch Technology on Education. Human–Computer Interaction Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15594-4_26
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15594-4_26
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