A Handheld Computer System for Classroom Observations

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Abstract
This article describes a handheld computer observation system that uses Hewlett-Packard HP71B computers for recording data and an IBM-PC for storing and analyzing the data. Two observation algorithms are used in research. In the first, one child is observed as that child interacts with peers and the teacher. In the second algorithm, a focal child is observed as that child interacts with multiple adults, as is true in many special education classrooms. Data analyses are done on the IBM-PC or a mainframe computer. Research using the computers takes advantage of their ability to record data in real time, frequencies, and sequences. One research area has been to validate the accuracy of a paper-and-pencil measure in the classroom. A second research area concerns developmental differences in sustained attention of handicapped and nonhandicapped children. A third research area is concerned with sequential behavioral interrelationships between teachers and children within and between regular and special education classrooms.