HubNet

What is HubNet?

HubNet is a Classroom-based Network of Handheld Devices and Up- front Computer.

HubNet is designed specifically with the goal of creating a fully participatory, networked, classroom learning space. The core features of this space include:

1. A collection of hand-held computing devices with significant resident functionality (e.g., a programmable graphing calculator);
2. A network layer of flexible communication protocols including the ability to upload and download data sets, upload and download program (e.g., applets), monitor key- presses at the hand-held level, support real-time interaction as in network computer games, and form collaborative groups of various sizes (e.g., peer to peer, small groups, and whole class modes);
3. Development tools for programming individual devices and the network;
4. Public display capability (e.g., a projection system);
5. An up-front computer (the "hub") capable of addressing the network of handhelds and running systems modeling programs (e.g., StarLogoT, STELLA) as well as core analytic tools (spread sheets, function graphs, etc.);
6. An ability to be addressed using open standards and protocols;
7. A cross-platform implementation (using HTML, Java, etc.);
8. An ability to connect and interact with other layers of network 'up' from the classroom, including various school- based LANs, district WANs, and the internet.

The eventual goal is to release HubNet as a widely distributed commercial product with a rich array of classroom tested functionality and activity designs.

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