Fujitsu Mobile Computers Allow Florida Teachers to Perform In-class Student Assessments
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — March 7, 1994 — Addressing the critical information needs of today's primary school teachers, Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. (FPSI), will combine its 325Point pen tablet computers with software from American Management Systems (AMS) to support the ''Schoolyear 2000'' initiative.
Schoolyear 2000 is a multi-year initiative to design and implement a scientifically developed model of schooling that is capable of producing results far and above those possible within the context and constraints of the current educational system.
The three pound 325Point mobile computer is being used as an information manager to support data collection and the recording of student observations and criteria-based assessments about student learning. The system vastly improves the teacher's ability to make, record, and summarize student observations, report to parents, and keep track of students' progress. Specifically, the mobile computing solution will allow students individualized instruction while also providing teachers with the ability to track the progress and meet the needs of each student.
''The premise of Schoolyear 2000 is that the current system of education is obsolete,'' said Dr. Wendy Cullar, program director for Schoolyear 2000. ''For today's children to grow and succeed in the expanding world around them, the educational system must dramatically change. We believe this can be achieved by integrating today's mobile computing technology into the learning process.''
Conceived at the Center for Educational Technology (CET) at Florida State University, the Schoolyear 2000 focus is on shifting the current system of education from being teacher-based to learner-centered. The model allows for students to use learning, creative, and research tools to become independent learners, and the teacher becomes a facilitator and learning resources manager.
The use of a mobile computer to record student progress in real-time is one key component in implementing a learner-centered model. The ability to track behavior, chart progress and keep notes on students as events occur gives teachers a more effective and concise program to develop student interest and progress.
Fujitsu has partnered with AMS to develop the Schoolyear 2000 systems, which are used by teachers in the classroom for student assessment. ''A teacher is one of the best examples of a truly mobile worker,'' said Lou Panetta, executive vice president of Fujitsu Personal Systems. ''The lightweight mobile pen-based computer gives teachers the freedom to easily manage the vast array of information they collect on each student.''
How It Works
Each day, the teacher records assessments and observations on students in class. At the end of each day, the teacher can then perform analysis and print out useful reports for evaluation of class and student progress. To transfer any new data back to the host, the 352Point is connected to the host through a docking station or a serial cable link, where information is then downloaded.
''The portability offered by the 325Point is extremely helpful to teachers who are not always able to sit down and collect data,'' added Dr. Cullar. ''The Fujitsu system gives teachers access to critical information such as student lists and individual student information, allows them to record and access data at any point in time, and enables them to record observations and analyze student progress.''
The program is currently being tested in seven Florida school districts, including Orange, Pasco, Volusia, Dixie, Levy, Madison and Santa Rosa.
American Management Systems provides information technology consulting, reusable and customized software, and systems integration services for large U.S. and multinational organizations. AMS is headquartered in Fairfax, Va. and has offices in 34 cities throughout North America and Europe.
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., is a leader in providing solutions for data collection and decision support applications through the development of super portable palmtop, pen-based and communicating computers. Its solutions are designed to meet the needs of applications where light weight, small form factor and long battery life are essential. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Ltd. Fujitsu Personal Systems has North America offices in Santa Clara, Calif.; Irvine, Calif.; Chicago; Atlanta; Houston; Dallas; Philadelphia; New Jersey; Rhode Island; Toronto and international offices in England; France; Spain; Germany; and Italy. Product information can be obtained by calling 1-800-831-3183. Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. corporate headquarters can be reached at 1-408-982-9500.
CONTACT:
Walt & Sommerhauser Communications, Santa Clara
Erin Curtis/Robert Walt, 408/496-0900
Schoolyear 2000
Dr. Wendy Cullar, 904/644-7447
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc., Santa Clara
Bill Wittmann, 408/982-9500