Handheld Learning

To be honest Jocelyn that isn't a useful question is it?

Should the question and options not relate to "What would you want your children to be able to do in the classroom". Then you will have a list of criteria for selecting which devices (or blend of devices) would be most useful. Actually it echoes your question on the thread about the ipod touch project.

The criteria for the normanby project, who are up for three awards this year (http://www.handheldlearning2009.com/awards/the-finalists) was something like:

1:1 access
Web enabled (at least wifi and preferably 3G as well)
Keyboard
Touchscreen
Camera
Compatible with other software/hardware in school/at home
Ebook reader
Sound recorder
Pocket sized device

The first year of the project was mainly driven by these criteria that the staff selected but interestingly the children created their own criteria list for the second year of the project (new Y5 classes) and it looke remarkably similar as it allowed them to do the tasks they needed to do. Several of the children went to Handheld last year and it was funny watching them make a beeline for the o2 stand where the iphone sat. They all wanted one BUT not as their "work device" they felt that it lacked some of the functionality of their pdas for the tasks they wanted to do. That has probably changed now with the myriad of apps available but it was interesting listening to them explain to the salesmen what their needs were. Always amazes me when people are surprised that 10 year olds are so discerning. They will also be appearing in the Y factor this year so feel free to ask them hard questions!
ST

Hi Jocelyn, I largely echo ST's comments. In reference to your mention that the look and feel of the device itself affects whether it gets used or not, I certainly don't think this has been a major factor in the genuine motivation and enthusiasm for learning that the children involved in our Hertfordshire Handheld Pilot have shown (also up for a HHL award this year: Amanda Burrett http://www.handheldlearning2009.com/awards/the-finalists )

The look and feel of the device we used (HP iPaq 214) would probably be considered by many to be fairly uncool by todays standards, but I have never heard this mentioned once or seen any impact from that fact. What made the whole thing a success was that the range of tools available on such a device (many of which ST has listed above) appealed to the many different learning styles and needs that children have. The voice recorder, animation tools, game-based learning activities and personal nature of a 1-to-1 device meant that the learners could often choose the right tool for them, which developed their independence in learning and maturity in making decisions about their learning.

If the coolest looking and feeling device on the market had been used, but it didn't offer the wide ranging functionality needed, the novelty would soon have worn off. We found that the children were of course excited by the whole thing at the beginning, but when the initial 'novelty' of a 1-to-1 device did wear off, that's when the real advantages began to show through, and the children remained motivated and very keen to use their devices throughout the whole pilot year.

I've worked with much 'cooler' devices, for want of a better description, that were not nearly as successful in schools because they just didn't offer the wide ranging functionality that I believe is needed for successful 1-to-1 computing. I can definitely say that our experience in Herts is similar to ST's comments above about the children wanting cool devices but not as their 'work' device.

I chose other.

We shouldn't be choosing devices, we should the learners choose which device it most suitable for them and the activity they wish to undertake.

Having just read the previous comments, my intention was (as implied) a strong reflection of what Spike said almost at the start - that it should have enormous functionality in one device.  Some of Carl's points have as much usefulness as humour !  This versatility is becoming a reality with recent smartphones, but the fashion imperative has kept the physical size of case too small to allow a decent screen size.  Also the smaller size will increase the risk of camera shake, which could render photo.s unusable or of limited value in a learning context.

Maybe I'm cynical, but I don't think device manufacturers for the mass (ie: profitable) market are too bothered about our particular needs, unless they add to the "cool factor" and saleability.  However, a clear list of what we would desire in an ideal device will help us towards identifying the nearest to that (at the time of choosing).