Saturday, October 6, 2007

Handheld computers in schools

Many people think the handheld (palm pilot, PDA) market is dead. My students really like using the devices in school. They can take them home and to class and do their school work and take notes on a portable keyboard and all the pieces fit in their pocket or backpack. I still think the PDA is perfectly suited for school and work. We use a variety of software, but the most common applications used are Documents to Go and the basic PDA functions of datebook, contacts and memo pad.

How do you use PDA's in your school?

Tablet PC's in Schools

I have been using a tablet PC in my classroom for the last two weeks. Within that time period it has made my teaching more efficient. I have embedded video links in the notes I use in class. All I have to do is click on the link and a video appears. There is no more fiddling with the remote and turning on the tv... Thanks to the projector the image is large and bright and a big difference over the overhead projector I had used for years. If a student missed the notes or needs a copy I can print them and give them to the student instantly; no more running to the copy room. There is also a savings in resources. I go through a lot less of the plastic film used on the overhead projector and fewer markers for writing on the overhead projector.

Please comment as to how you use tablet pc's in your classroom.