6/27/06
I began this blog as an article review and then after reviewing EReader I realized this article was the one you wanted us to review for our EReader blog. So I will leave the information I used for the article review and add more about EReader. I will submit another Article Review blog later.
Sier.tec Newswire Vol 5 Number 2 2002
Handheld Techonologies
This article was written 4 years ago and I am wondering if the concerns for using handhelds in the classroom remain. The article discussed the advantages and disadvantages of using handhelds. The positive remarks were that the cost was much less than buying desktop or laptop computers. Since schools are on a restrictive budget, cost is an important aspect to review. The cost of a handheld for every child in the class is much less costly, than a desktop/laptop. “No child left behind” requires that technology be brought to the students and handhelds are the easiest, least costly methods to comply with the law. Handhelds offer more mobility; they can be taken anywhere with ease. They are wireless and it is easy to transfer data. The wireless feature also overcomes the need for hardwired infrastructure which can be costly to the school. The handheld does not require an additional classroom, which continues to reduce the cost of additional space needed to store them and the materials they need. Using handhelds also promotes collaboration and sharing in the classroom. They encourage students to work together on projects using information that can be beamed from one handheld to another. The handheld is also easy to use and has basic educational applications. Not much time is needed to teach the students how to use the handheld in comparison to a desktop/laptop.
But there were concerns about using handhelds. Compatibility is a concern: are Palm OS and Windows CE compatible, are the handhelds compatible with the desktops at the school, are they more compatible with PC’s than Macs? Since students can beam information to each other, they could also beam answers to tests and quizzes. Schools need to add a handheld policy to their internet policy. Ownership may be a problem–who owns the handheld; should there be a policy for payment when they are lost or broken. What training is available for teachers so students may be trained on the proper use of the handheld. Also health reasons–the screen is small how will it affect eyestrain, carpal tunnel, lighting. The readability of the text and graphics don’t translate well to a small screen. What about security against theft, data safeguards and viruses. Can the handheld be fixed in a timely manner?
This book also gave information about the types of handhelds, the peripherals and wireless networking. Having used the handhelds in the classroom already, it was good to know we were on the right track. We have used them for student’s research on papers and working in groups for projects about world leaders.
I wish I had the information about buying a handheld before I purchased the Zire 72 last summer. I like the Zire, but not the aspect of losing all information if the battery needs recharging. It is always good to be informed before you buy.
The interview was also good. It did two things–helped to see that handheld technology is a big consideration for use in districts in the states, and obtaining questions that will help with the interview assignment we can do.
This book had so much information about software, professional development, resources, etc., that it was difficult not to spend hours, days using the information to learn more, obtain software, and connect with other teachers who use handhelds.
Using EReader was a great way to read a book. As I was waiting to see the doctor’s office, having EReader allowed me to complete the reading for this assignment. One aspect I did notice was my eyes were not seeing as clearly as they would have with a book. I think they were reacting to screen the same they react if I am using any computer too long.
I began to think about our schools policies, though. How will our policies address some of the concerns about cheating, using others information? I believe we have answered many concerns, but I do see the need to add Handheld policies to the internet policies of the school. Screens have been improved. Just yesterday I was watching a session of “Will and Grace,” which was downloaded on the Treo that I was viewing. The strain was minimal, or at least no more than spending time watching a screen on a desktop or TV. I don’t believe handhelds should be used for hours on end, but I also don’t believe desktops or TVs should be either. Concerns about security are the same as using the Internet in the classroom or anywhere–a teacher should be vigilant about watching the students access to games, inappropriate sites, and beaming during a test or quiz. I don’t allow students book bags or other items on the desks when taking a test; I wouldn’t allow the handheld to be used either unless a certain program was needed. Then I would add restrictions, the same restrictions I would add if desktops/laptops were used. I think the cost factors, accessibility for students, the wireless abilities, and mobility of the handhelds offset the concerns. The compatibility, professional development, health and safety issues can be solved with a good edtech coordinator collaborating with the teachers. All new electronics cause concerns in their initial stages, think about the commotion the TV caused in the 1950s, and look at how much it is used today. Think about the security and health issues of gameboys and laptops–the eyestrain from these is as great as the eyestrain from handhelds if not greater. Notice how many hours a students plays games on desktops/laptops; notice the strain on the child’s eyes. Hours of play go by and the child thinks they have only had minutes on the computer. Overall when I use the handheld or read about how other teachers use it, I am not fearful of the concerns mentioned in this article. I am positive about the benefits and as with any new electronic item, I am focusing on its use and access to students allowing them a way to work well with others and search for information with ease.
