Project K-NECT Using Smartphones to Help Teach Math Concepts

A program initially funded by a grant from QualComm currently in operation in North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio, Project K-NECT uses HTC smartphones as teaching tools in math classes, accompanied by teacher and student training in project-based learning and technology use issues.  Students are able to access the Internet for math resources, connect to a school math blog, view videos, and are even creating video and movie math tools on school-issued smartphones.  Teachers participating in the project cite increased confidence and deeper understanding of math concepts by students, who are generally socio-economically disadvantaged.  Students are awarded incentive points for active participation, which is tracked by teachers.  Follow-up studies have shown that students participating in the project are more likely to test proficient in Algebra I and II than others in their districts or state.  http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2011/04/04/02smartphones.h04.html