Advantages and concerns of handheld technologies for school use
Handheld computers offer advanatages over full-sized, varied-functioning computers, but they also raise concerns. Here are some issues to consider before deciding that they are right for your school.
Educational advantages
Why are educators considering purchasing handheld technologies for school use? The educational advantages of handhelds over full-sized, varied-functioning computers range from cost to size to ease of use. The list below is a good initial set of reasons to consider handheld devices for your school.
- Cost. Handhelds usually range in price from as low as $100 to as high as $1,000 depending upon the capabilities. A basic handheld for the typical student can be found in the $100–$300 range, with educational discounts available for large quantities.
- Mobility. This is possibly one of the biggest advantages, since handhelds can be taken practically anywhere instead of being confined to the lab or classroom. Because there is no need for electrical connections while it’s being used, it can be used outside or while traveling.
- Wireless. The ability to transfer or share data and programs wirelessly overcomes the need for a more hardwired infrastructure and adds to the mobility.
- Size. This really provides a number of benefits:
- Physical storage of devices. Because of their small size, it’s not necessary to have a separate lab for a classroom set.
- Media storage. Devices can be loaded with electronic versions of large reference materials in a portable format.
- Ubiquitous access. Users can carry them in pockets, backpacks, purses, and briefcases and always have access to information and programs.
- Ownership. Because of the feeling of ownership, along with the “cool factor,” students take care of the devices so they don’t lose the privilege of using them.
- Access. Because of the relatively low cost, entire classroom sets of handheld devices can be purchased for the price of three or four desktop computers and can provide access to many more students for much longer time spans.
- Collaboration and sharing. Beaming has been found to be an extremely effective technique for encouraging students to work together and share information.
- Simplicity/ease of use. Particularly with the more basic educational applications, teachers do not have to spend a lot of time teaching students how to use them.
Educational concerns
:Introducing handheld technologies into the school program has some potential concerns. These technologies may be small, but small does not always mean simple and easy. Consider the issues below before deciding that handheld technologies are right for your school.
- Compatibility. Palm OS and Windows CE/Pocket PC devices are not compatible. While some data can be interchanged, programs cannot. The other compatibility issue comes into play when a desktop computer is involved. While some programs support both desktop platforms, in general, more handheld applications are written to work with Windows desktop computers than with Macintosh.
- Cheating. By using an infrared port similar to that of a TV remote control, handheld computers can beam information to other handhelds. This allows students to share information easily, but it also raises the possibility of cheating since students can beam answers to each other. Fortunately, with most handhelds, there are ways to restrict beaming for this very reason. With these unique concerns in mind, your school may want to revisit acceptable use policies to ensure that potential issues are addressed. Most guidelines applied to the use of the Internet and classroom computers can be adapted to the use of wireless handheld technologies.
- Distraction. The very versatility of handheld devices also makes them highly conducive to off-task behavior, such as game playing or Web surfing.
- Effectiveness/research. At present, we don’t really know how the use of these devices affects student achievement. They haven’t been around long enough for many extensive studies.
- Infrastructure. Although handheld computers are not expensive, peripherals such as keyboards, cameras, cases, styli, and hardware modules must also be purchased. Decisions about who needs what equipment must be made. Software must be added and regularly upgraded.
- Ownership. Who will own the handhelds? Students or schools?
- Professional development. What resources are available for training both student and staff on the proper and effective use of handheld technologies? Even though handhelds tend to be less complicated in use, a level of professional development and orientation is required to fully utilize the technology.
- Replacement Issues. This includes concerns about durability and warranties.
- Safety. Little is known about the handheld computer’s possible impact on students’ health, such as eyestrain and carpal tunnel effects.
- Screen readability. Even the largest handheld device has a small screenviewing area. The issues here really revolve around the intended use of the device (extensive reading vs. quick formula calculation), the physical location of its use (lighting), and the age of the user.
- Screen size. Not just readability of text but also many graphics, such as charts and graphs, do not translate well to the small size screen.
- Security. There are a number of security issues involved:
- Theft. One of the biggest advantages of handhelds — their size — also makes them prone to theft.
- Data. Developers are scrambling to build in data security safeguards like those in place for desktop computers, but it’s a new field, with new concerns.
- Viruses. Yes, they exist for handhelds, too. Although not in the large numbers experienced by desktop users, viruses are increasing, and virus protection programs for handhelds are becoming more popular.
- Tech support. They need to be fixed in a timely manner for effective use. On the plus side, it’s not too expensive to have some “loaners” available as a quick fix, which isn’t really a viable option with larger, more expensive desktop models.
