Different Electronic Devices
Brandon Kelley
The New Age of Handheld Devices
It is hard to imagine that fewer than ten years ago, the Palm Pilot was hailed as the future of handheld devices for schools. PDAs, or Personal Data Assistants such as PocketPC, opened up a new world for teachers, email, grade books, and attendance logs now fit in their pockets and were accessible at any time. Today, handheld devices can do nearly anything a PC can do, and they are experiencing a resurgence in the classroom.
Educational Challenges
Technology gaps — While many students will be fluent in the technology you decide
to use, it is important to remember that there will be members of your class that don’t
have as much access at home.
Theft/loss — While ownership is a big plus, the size and portability of MLDs means that
they can be easily pocketed and carried off.
Cheating — Many schools have begun to prohibit cell phones on campus, not only
because of the distraction they caused but also the likelihood of cheating.
Different Devices
Game Console (Nintendo DS, PSP, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Nintento Wii)
For three decades now, the name Nintendo has been synonymous with “avoiding homework” for parents and teachers. But now Sony, Nintendo, and Xbox have jumped into the education arena, working with educators to make their systems useful in the classroom.
App (App Store Icon)
Short for “application,” these are small programs that can be downloaded to mobile devices such as a cell phone, iTouch, and smart device.
EReader
These mobile devices are designed to download and hold hundreds of books. Not only are eReaders convenient (you can probably store your entire collection on one eight-
ounce model), but they help students as they read.
Benefits and Challenges
Computers Can be Very Beneficial
Accessibility — Mobile learning devices (MLD) meet students where they are in the rest of their lives.
Cost — Depending on the device, MLDs can range in price from as little as fifty dollars
to up to fifteen hundred dollars for a set of RFS.
Mobility — Most computer are mobile.