Hi all,
In the run up to Handheld Learning I thought it might be of interest to HL readers to feed back what we are seeing in the marketplace as a supplier of handheld software and hardware. SUMS always exhibit jointly with Go Education plc with all
of the above devices and more on our stand. For example, we just returned from several exhibitions including the E2BN conference where 10 local authorities and about 400 Heads and advisors met over two days. We are seeing the following trends.
a) Device per pupil. What excites Heads above all is giving each pupil a meaningful computer device that they would own, and take around with them. Most Heads are now very clued up on this as they have seen lots of presentations. They realise the amazing difference a device per pupil would make to motivation etc.
b) Type of device. In terms of volume the ASUS eeePC is winning by a long way - we have already been asked to quote for our software for eeePCs for several local authority rollouts and we are taking lots of eeePC hardware orders off the stand. Heads are typically going for class sets of 30 where they would previously have purchased 15 laptops on a trolley. You can argue at length about whether this is a good thing or not - but it is what is happening. Also, the most popular model remains the basic 7 inch Linux machine (approx £179) though obviously some suppliers feel happier pushing Windows and so may change that balance.
Also PDAs/Windows mobile devices continue to do well despite some mischievous rumours to the contrary, but the volumes are far lower than the ASUS. Those with experience recognise the advantage of having a truly portable device, and the existing centres of expertise (e.g. Wolverhampton, Bristol, Luton, Sunderland etc) continue to grow their projects. Among the PDA models we are seeing having success are the IPAQ 214 with the 4 inch screen (approx £159) and the Pidion (approx £300). Lots of phone based projects are also doing well. Out of interest, we now know of a large infant school with advanced plans for a PDA per child after successful trials using WM software including our maths and phonics, as well as other supplier software.
The Sony PSP also grows steadily with its low price (approx £110 before memory stick and camera) and robustness. It remains the device that excites students most in the short term and has particular attractions in Secondary and Special schools because of its excellent multimedia capabilities.
c) Price. To put it at its simplest, price does matter - a lot. Schools who are now going for a device per child, of any type, find it relatively easy to fund (through parental funding or spend of IT/fabric budget) if the device purchase plus
insurance etc is at about £240 or less. Above that problems occur in keeping projects going year on year.
d) Learning Platforms. These are proving to be a major driver for schools purchasing a device per child. Now that most schools have purchased their VLEs (StudyWiz, Kaleidos, Fronter, and Uniservity are the most mentioned) they need to give pupils access. This looks to me like the major driver in terms of schools getting on with this, and it forced SUMS to create SCORM versions of our software.
I am sure that many other suppliers have their own views on what is happening, and it would be great to hear them. What I am absolutely sure of though is that the time of the expert laying down how it must be done is passing fast. Advisors and gurus will continue to give useful advice and direction, but Headteachers are now getting fully involved and are getting on with it - treating a device per child as just the next technical challenge in running the IT in their school.
Best wishes,
David
David McAll
MD
SUMS Online Ltd
david@sums.co.ukwww.sums.co.uk01454 853539
mob 0777 645 1967
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