Using Handheld Devices

Do you know the saying, “What can they think of next?” That is what comes to my mind as I watch this video on a group of fifth graders teaching a graduate class of students how to use a palm pilot. These fifth graders taught these teachers how to use this tool to teach concept mapping, create circle graphs, build periodic tables, make a website, and how to construct chemistry problems. As an observer, I would think that these students are probably using these hand held devices to browse the internet and “pretend” they are paying attention. However, this professor specifically identifies that the advantages of the palm pilot are that is has no web, no videos, it offers simple task, and everything is step-by-step processing. Understanding this, I can see some real benefits of using wireless technology in the classroom. First of all, it would increase student participation. It allows students to use tools in the classroom that they are familiar with from their home environment. Wireless technology would change the traditional classroom setting by generating access to quick accurate information and it would increase productivity in the classroom. If wireless technology becomes the “trend” in education, then in the future I see more students capable of working independently which could lead to larger classrooms, more “internet classes,” or cutting the amount of days we actually attend school within a school year.