Developing new tools for data collection and analysis

[Poi1987]

Developing new tools for data collection and analysis

Probeware refers to educational applications of probes, interfaces and software used for real-time data acquisition, display, and analysis with a computer or calculator.
Probeware is also known as Microcomputer Based Labs or MBL. When used with a calculator, it is known as Calculator Based Labs or CBL.

By connecting probes to a computer running suitable software, students can observe data displayed in a variety of formats as it is being collected. When used in an inquiry-based learning context, this capacity can significantly increase and speed learning.

Bob Tinker and Stephen Bannasch, founders of the Concord Consortium, started developing probeware at TERC twenty-five years ago. Ever since then they have been promoting the educational value of using computers to display real-time datalogger for school..

Our most recent work is focused on probeware for handheld computers. We have developed new probeware software called CCProbe which is built upon the open source CC LabBook System. CCProbe works on Palms and PocketPC handheld computers as well as MacOS, Windows, and Unix desktop operating systems. This work all falls under an umbrella we call CCProbeware. The work is described in an article in the Winter 2002 @Concord newsletter Probeware Takes a Seat in the Classroom.

We also have a site devoted to catalogging and reviewing current probeware and handheld computer systems called ProbeSight.

Earlier at the Concord Consortium we developed the concept of SmartProbes for the Science Learning in Context project. The Exploratorium Electronic Guidebook and the Data and Models projects extended this work into both wireless networked probeware and probeware for handhelds.

The TEEMSS project has continued work extending probeware for use with inexpensive portable handheld computers.

We are also helping the Jason Academy integrate probes into their online teacher programs.

[Torsten]

Hello Mr Probeware. Can you you please tell us how exactly our forum users can benefit from Probeware? I mean your first forum post looks very similar to an ad to a promotional text for Bob Tinker's and Stephen Bannasch' software products. Are they are aware of your activities? It seems to me that you could benefit more if we did an interview with either Bob Tinker or Stephen Bannasch or even better -- with both of them. If you really have an interest in creating value for other people you respond to this proposal.

Many thanks,
Torsten Daerr
PS: What is your name and where are you from?
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TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Poi1987]

Data Logger
A data logger (also datalogger or Data recorder) is an electronic device that records data over time or in relation to location either with a built in instrument or sensor or via external instruments and sensors. Increasingly, but not entirely, they are based on a digital processor (or computer). They generally are small, battery powered and portable.

Basically three types of instruments are commonly used for collecting and storing data.
They are
1) Real-Time Data Acquisition Systems
2) Chart Recorders and
3) Dataloggers

Datalogger for school are normally more economical than chart recorders. They offer more flexibility and are available with a greater variety of input types. Most data loggers collect data which may be directly transferred to a computer. Although this option is available with some recorders, it normally adds significant expense to the recorder price.

Data acquisition systems offer a great deal of flexibility and are certainly attractive when high sample rates are required, however, since they require connection or installation into a computer, the computer must also be present and active when collecting the data. Data loggers can collect data independently of a computer. Data is normally collected in non-volatile memory for later download to a computer. The computer does not need to be present during the data collection process. This makes them ideally suited for applications requiring portability.