Handheld Computers

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A handheld computer is, simply put, a computer small enough to be in the user's hand easily and be portable. Many devices can be conside held computers (i.e. - mp3 players, GPS units and mobile phones, however, this article will address devices often referred to as a personal digital assistants (PDAs).

A classroom with handhelds can easily create a computer-to-student ratio of 1:1. Though classrooms do not need a full class set to feel the impact of this improved ratio. Handhelds given to groups of students can engage and motivate students to become learners through carefully planned activities.

Contents

[edit] Mobile Classrooms

In addition to providing more access to computers, handhelds allow students and teachers to learn outside of the classroom. No longer do students have to be "tied" to a workstation in order to use computers. Handheld computers can move about the school collecting data, interviewing students or teachers and even on field trips to collect data to be analyzed at a later time.

[edit] Personal Learning Spaces

Students can create a digital learning space to practice skills in which they may need extra practice. This allows students to progress at their own speed and readiness levels, in turn creating the differentiated instruction or experiences that students need.

[edit] Collaborative Tools

Utilizing the 1-on-1 ratio that handhelds can provide, teachers are building learning communities. The InfraRed beaming technology available on handheld computers allows students to share information while collaborating on projects or fields of study.

[edit] Types of Handheld Computers

The most popular handheld computers's are Palm and Windows Mobile (PocketPC) handheld computers. Both devices include some sort of personal information manager (PIM). PIM applications include calendar, address book, to-do lists and a memo pad. While the earliest handhelds were dedicated to being PIMs, developments and improvements in technology have helped handhelds to truly become more than calendar or address book holders, they are now extensions of your desktop computer. In many cases handhelds can even replace the need for several desktop computers in a classroom. Becoming increasingly ubiquitous, it is now possible to use handheld computers anywhere to listen/record audio files, watch videos, access web sites via wi-fi networks, view & edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations, read e-books, read news and blog feeds as well as listen to podcasts.

[edit] Palm Operating System (OS)

Probably the most well known handheld computer is the Palm. Often referred to as the Palm Pilot, the Palm handheld series has a large market share, however, a partnership with Microsoft on a Palm Treo device that runs the Windows Mobile operating system signals a sign of change for handheld devices.

There are many resources related to using Palm Handhelds, please visit the Palm OS article to learn more about using the Palm OS.

[edit] Windows Mobile (PocketPC)

The Windows Mobile operating system has been around for sometime, but often overshadowed by Palm's large market share. Microsoft has created a powerful mobile platform based on the Windows concept. This platform is gaining more and more momentum, especially in light of the partnership Palm has made with Microsoft regarding the Treo 700w SmartPhone.

Despite it's smaller market share, there is an abundance of software available for the Windows Mobile platform. Please visit the Windows Mobile article for more information about using these devices.

[edit] Handheld Software Resources

Once a teacher adopts the use of handheld computers, they will realize the rich resources that are out there for their classrooms. A large amount of handheld applications is free and available for downloading and installing to handhelds.

  • Check out Tony Vincent's Learning in Hand web site for software listed by content areas.


[edit] Classroom Activities

The possibilities for using handhelds in the classroom are not quite realized by most educators. Below you will find resources for integrating handhelds in K-12 classrooms.

  • PalmOS Activities - Visit this page to access and contribute to the classroom activity ideas.
  • Learning in Hand- Tony Vincent's website for handheld lesson ideas created by a graduate class at the University of Omaha.


[edit] Handheld Computer Community

Below are blogs and web sites dedicated to the use of handhelds in education:

Weblogs & Podcasts


Handheld Web Sites

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