Hi Mike,
It's great to hear about all you're doing with handhelds.
Although the Palms I have don't have internet capability, the Tungsten e2 does have internet 
capability and you can do PowerPoints etc.  There is video capability as well which would 
probably take more memory than what comes standard but I bet you could use SD cards to 
store that kind of data. I really don't know if a handheld would be the best tool for doing lots of 
media kinds of things but it would certainly be interesting to check that out.
I'm in the process of experimenting with downloading podcasts to the Palms for students to get 
more practice with fluency and reading strategies. They'll be able to hear my voice, as well as 
read the text along with me (or someone) and they'll be asked to stop and think and possibly 
record (in a documents folder on the Palm) their observations.  
One other thing that might sway in favor of the Palm would be its small size and portability.

I totally agree with you that technology is only a tool that, hopefully, makes learning more 
effective and attractive.  I've really appreciated the way the handhelds encourage collaboration 
among students and motivates them to extend their learning.

Thanks for your thoughts;  I'd be interested in hearing what you decide and how your projects 
work out!

Marilyn Williams
6th Grade Language Arts/Social Studies
Kennedy Middle School
Eugene, OR

----- Original Message -----
From: Mariann Fedele <MariannF at lacnyc.org>
Date: Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:52 am
Subject: [Technology 945]  Subject: RE:  handhelds day 2
To: The Technology and Literacy Discussion List <technology at nifl.gov>


> The following question is submitted on behalf of Mike Moyle:

> 

> 

> 

> Marilyn,

> 

> Thank you for sharing with us.  Our fifth grade has used Palms for

> several years.  They are used primarily for writing but also for math

> facts, organizing assignments, drawing with Sketchy, and understanding

> tessellations. The teachers are about to use them with paam.goknow.com

> Internet so the student can sync with that site when their homework is

> done, and the teacher can instantly see it.

> 

> Our school is considering 1-to-1 technology with tablet laptop computers

> for grades 7-12.  The teachers were each given a tablet and four days 

> of

> training this summer. 

> 

> I'm trying to decide whether handhelds or tablets are the better way to

> go for Lower School.  You've identified the cost factor.  If that is the

> primary driving force, the handhelds probably are the best bet.  I do

> worry, though, about not having access to the connectivity with the web

> and the ability to create through programs like PowerPoint, Movie Maker,

> etc.  It seems that the handhelds have a very narrow focus of abilities

> compared to a laptop or tablet.  I don't know, however, if this is a

> completely accurate view.  I'd love to hear more about that.

> 

> I was interested to read about your project with creating governments.

> I keep thinking that the technology is only a tool, and it's extremely

> important to make sure we are using it in a way that is helping students

> think at higher levels, make connections, and be creative.

> 

> Mike Moyle

> Lower School Director

> The Principia

> 

> -----Original Message-----

> From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov [ 

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