Blog post #2- Handheld Devices

     Handheld devices are becoming more and more popular with the general public and are now solidly making their way into mainstream educational settings.  These devices come in several different forms; iPods, smart phones, and iPads or tablets. I read an interesting article about the use of handheld wireless computers (the author uses this term to refer to all forms of these handheld devices) in an educational setting, and am going to share the key points with you.  The author, Hani Morgan, discusses the advantages and disadvantages to the widespread use of these devices in schools.  

Advantages

• It is imperative that students are taught to become digitally literate.  Hani (2010) says that "allowing students to develop skills to access and learn from the increasing number of digital literacies through handheld computers is one way to accomplish this goal" (p. 140).
• The lower cost of these devices can more readily allow each child to have access. 
• They can allow teachers and students to increase communication and sharing of documents and therefore enhance the quality of written work (Hani, 2010).
• The use of these devices promotes "green" technology that can save tremendous amounts of paper.

Disadvantages

• Handheld wireless computers have potential for abuse- cheating and cyber-bullying, specifically.
• Children can be exposed to advertisements and inappropriate content, if proper precautions aren't taken.

Longevity

• Unlike other types of technology in which enthusiasm can often wane over time, Hani says that research is showing that "motivation to use handheld computers increased with time" (p. 141).
• When schools are able to provide or support each child having one of these devices, computing with them and using them in lessons will become routine.  

     There are so many ways that a librarian could use these devices- I get excited just thinking of them!  Here are a few of the things I hope to implement:

-I plan to have a training video available for new students who enroll after all of my library trainings have been done.  It can show them how to check books in and out, examples of good library behavior, what special programs are available and how they work, etc.  They could view it after scanning a QR code in the library with any of the available devices.
-I could also have students and teachers use video to share their favorite books or to share their review of a recently read book.   I would love to show one each week on the video announcements, but also have them available to view in the library when a student needs a recommendation for what to read next.

-I would love to have older students create audio recording of picture books that younger students could listen to on iPods.    

I could go on and on about this topic.  I believe these devices are the way of the future in education and also in library services.  The possibilities are endless!

References

Morgan, H. (2010). Using handheld wireless technologies in school: Advantageous or disadvantageous? Childhood Education, 87(2), 139-142. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2055/docview/845517114?accountid=7113