Handheld Learning - learning with mobile and ubiquitous technologies

Graham _ I am with you - lets not short change  our children.

However an aisde observation about the OX in particular.

The pre-load software makes big assumptions about the purpose of the OLPC. It has come from a lab that firmly believes in Constructionist Learning as the applications testify. I happen to like that - the system is born out of a philosophy. Those who I have spoken to in Brazil who are experiencing "as it was intended to be"  speak highly of it.

However this is not entirely the case. The Telecomms ministry who may be responsible for introducing the system into Haiti  may want cut down business apps. I know the competition in Brazil is also touting the fact that they run Open Office - and in turn characterizing the purpose of learning to use computers in school as highly instrumental.

What we need to avoid is "it's the stupid learning".
Martin

It might have been good news. Brain tumours and nausea etc that some people attribute to the mobile phone do not appear to be caused by the mobile phone. This should not suprise us as there in no apparent epidemic.

 It is probably right to remain very modestly cautious. However it is a modest caution that is required. The extra text messages I think a mobile-phone supported project may provide will not (I think) cause that much more hazard (if hazard there be).

However  The Department of Health said the precautionary principle set out by Sir William Stewart still stands. This means that any government funded experiments in the value of mobile phones for learning (under 16) are not going to happen. Doh!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6991150.stm

Martin