Handheld Computers
I. Handheld computers save time
In the classroom
Handheld Computers allow efficient and rapid recording of data, as is often needed in group collaboration projects. This information can then be saved on a computer, printed, or even beamed to the teacher's Handheld Computer. Teachers can also use Handheld Computers to record in-class assessment data, anecdotal information, and grading of presentations and oral participation. Software
Out of the classroom
Teachers need more time. They can utilize the power of Handheld Computers and specialized software to organize grades, lesson plans, reading assessment data, parent phone logs, meeting times, resource lists and web sites
II. Handheld Computers help to organize:
Lessons
Teachers can outline their lessons and add to the outline wherever they carry their Handheld Computers: while driving (not recommended), in the middle of the night when a lesson inspiration hits, or during faculty meetings when the excitement level drops. Certain applications have ready-made templates of lesson plan outlines that teachers can fill in to meet their needs.
See Software
Data
Teachers need to organize huge amounts of data. Parents want details on their students, administrators want to keep teachers accountable, and teachers want as much useful information as possible about their students in order to maximize the educational experience. Reading assessment, for example, requires a teacher to record and comment on the many reading processes that happen during actual classroom activities. Certain Handheld Computer software applications allow teachers to record this data in an efficient and non obtrusive way during class. See Software
Thoughts & Plans & To Do's
Few jobs on our planet are as creative and life-encompassing as teaching. A good teacher is constantly thinking about how to make the next year, month, day, or hour more educational (Right?). Handheld Computers allow teachers to record and organize these ideas, rather than have to keep track of many random lists, post-its, or calendars.
III. Handheld Computers can improve communication
The beaming feature allows teachers to transfer important information to students, and vice versa. Teachers can also beam information to one another, or even to administrators. Students can beam data to each other during group collaboration activities. Certain software applications are available for specific use in group activities. Refer to the How teachers use Handheld Computers in the classroom page for more descriptions
IV. Handheld Computers are portable
Teachers in all grades and subject areas are constantly creating specialized lists and mini-databases to meet their specific needs. Handheld Computer software allows teachers to modify these databases at home, without the need for multiple computers or floppy disks. Some teachers have even been seen grading papers in faculty meetings and entering the grades into a handheld computer.
Content Courtesy : http://www.handheldeducation.com