X5 Project: Year 2 (I.E. PPCs in Education)

[Choirguy]

I once again want to let all X5 owners know about the project I've been undertaking for my students. We use X5s in the choir program that I direct...there are some direct function programs, such as pocket music's pitch, metronome, and music term programs...and then I also utilize Betaplayer (I'll have to update them to TCPMP in August) with mp3 recordings of the works we are doing, or I make new mp3s with a music composition program called Finale.

The project has been a huge hit, as students love the technology, and it also allows them to practice on their own (in choir) in sections with portable speakers, or to take them home to practice with overnight.

Basically, the set-up for each X5 (Advanced or Standard) looks like this:

-Axim (X5)
-Cradle
-256MB CF Memory Card
-Rhinoskin
-2nd Battery

And the software I install:

-Magic Button
-psshutxp
-Betaplayer (TCPMP)
-NoteM
-And when I can afford it, licensed copies of Pocket Music Pitch, Metronome, and Music Term

It's amazing what this combination can do in the classroom setting for music.

If any X5 owners ever consider upgrading, and would prefer to donate their old equipment as a tax deduction (I would be more than happy to provide a receipt) or to even purchase one of the X5 "bargains" around and donate them, it would be greatly appreciated. To date, I've personally purchased all 6 X5s that are in my possession, and some nights (during the school year), all 6 are with students in their homes.

I'm actually hoping to present a session about "Music Technology in the Choir Rehearsal: Pocket PCs and other items" this February at the Minnesota Music Educator's Association Mid-Winter Conference.

And if you want to see more about the choir program at our school, feel free to visit www.parkchoir.org. I don't have any links on the X5 program yet, but I will.

I'm going to be selling a few of the "extras" that came with various X5s so as to raise some money to buy more X5s. Please check the classifieds for these items.

Also, next Fall when we sell "Happenings Books" I'll put an ad in the classifieds here at Aximsite, and any purchases made (you can buy a book from any area) will go towards the project.

And in case anyone missed it, there was a good section on PPCs in education in the July 2005 Pocket PC Magazine (odd time for the article, as the capital outlay process begins in December).

Well done Christopher! :approve:

It is obvious you have a passion for education. Your students are lucky to have such a motivated teacher.

[X5X5X5]

Absolutely...you deserve any and all credit due for your valiant efforts to teach your students using technology as your sidekick!

[yancypants]

That is fantastic. I have tried to get more educators on board of this, but have met limited support, resources, and vision. I think this is a good idea as we try to meet a one to one ratio of computers and students.--The potential is great. I even had a forum previously on it.

Educator in Want of Starting a Revoulution

Anyway, outstanding job! Way to be a visionary. Try for some grants. Hang in there!

[Choirguy]

I just wanted to add that Axim #7 was recently added to the stable; and that I'm working on trying to include a piece of software called Pocket Exam in my classes next year. You can find the link to that (and all the other software that I actually USE) in MyPDA.