Scaffolding in the small

Handheld computers offer the flexibility and mobility to be ready at hand tools that can facilitate learning anytime, anywhere. Applying the principles of Learner Centered Design [2], we have developed Pocket PiCoMap to support students engaged in complex concept mapping activities using handheld computers. Pocket PiCoMap uses scaffolds to address specific student needs; for instance, a color scaffold was provided to address students' difficulty organizing and understanding information displayed on small screens. Pocket PiCoMap was piloted for six weeks with 33 eighth grade students in mid-Michigan classrooms, and our preliminary results suggest that scaffolds are both useful and viable for handheld educational software.