Handheld Learning - learning with mobile and ubiquitous technologies

Great news. I asked Graham about free rooms etc., for the potential of a Special Interest Group on using Handbase. He's not sure given the very conguested timetable and resource pressures. Therefore, could I suggest that we simply look at the timetable for Friday / Saturday and arrange a time off list. That said, if there are any others with a desire to see what we are upto or add their thoughts then that would be great ... simply reply here and we can arrange a time to catch up.

See you on the 14/15

Cheers

Andy

Dear Peter,

I've been having lots of success with Handbase - I've posted a few things on my blog - http://www.mobile-learning.blog-city.com - see "my current holy grail".

I've managed to create some pretty large databases which contain a relational-esk component. For instance, the inclusion of other databases as part of the input options (from drop down menus etc.,) with a current database. I've also given it a road testing in the class environment.

I find the authoring very simply (once you've sketched out what you actually want), and the forms are easily created in the desktop and then fine-tuned in terms of aesthetics on the PDA. Also the movement of information from handbase into access (or excel) is pretty straightforward. Currently, my main issue is the report facility - it is rather poor. I need to get the data into access to run reports as the inbuilt reporting software is poor. This is a chore at meetings, it would be better to simply "dump" the database onto a memory card and run the reports as required in the staff meetings.

I've left it that the next stage is to get exposure to the type of databases that teachers want and how they wish to interface with the software/hardware in the classroom. So, I've still got an early version of your excel database - which I'll look at. But I was thinking, are you going to this Handheld Conference at Goldsmiths? If yes, perhaps we could meet up, have a drink and see if we can assess if Handbase will do the job.
Cheers

Andy

Wow - thanks to Graham and Swofford. You guys do make life a little easier

In the end I decided to spend US$10 and buy Vidya Pocket Screen Capture 1.0.8 - http://www.vidyasmart.com/

It is very simple, quite versatile (especially as I'm thinking of creating some animations / movies). If people are interested in the settings I've chosen etc., the see http://www.mobile-learning.blog-city.com/pocket_pc__screen_capture_software.htm

Thanks

Andy

Hi,

It appears that I'm going to have to write a few help sheets with screen captures for some workshops I'm running. So, I was wondering if anyone could recommend some software for a PC that runs an emulator (or the like) of a pocket PC, and will allow me to capture screen grabs.

The normal caveats apply, it needs to be very easy to use and preferably free 

Cheers

Andy

teach 234 - this is great stuff, however ....

It might be really useful if you found the time to describe more about one of these uses. For instance, how was it integrated with face to face sessions? what were the expectations of the staff? how did the pupils use them? was the stuff they did on the palm transferred to a log book, or part of an assignments? was it assessed? do they have the palms 24-7, or only during the school day? did this influence the study? did they tend to work collaboratively or as individuals? did the students find and upload all the software, or did you provide it? what do you think the palm added to the experience that couldn't have be achieved using other approaches?

I suppose I'm nudging towards a case study of some description, that I could take of the shelf, adapt for my local audience and then "sell" to the powers to be ... something that could make colleagues, and teachers go ... wow, what a great learning technology, I've got an idea that seems applicable, how do I get involved.

Thanks Thornuk - I contacted Widget's sales team and their reply suggested that it's a booster and wouldn't be attached to a PDA. Oh, what a shame ...

If people are interested I've add a few contributions to my blog about software that makes finding and managing wi-fi hotspots simpler - see http://www.mobile-learning.blog-city.com - I still need to crack the HitchHiker nut for the Pocket PC.

I think I got my wires crossed (or not in this particular case), Widget.co.uk suggest that it needs to be attached to the rooter. Shame, I read it that it could be PDA to pick up other networks.

Has anyone used the one of these - see http://www.widget.co.uk, super cantenna. Some google work seems to imply that it can be used on a PDA, the question I have is how? In other words, how does it attach (I've contacted the reseller, but thought someone might havethe answer).

If it does work then what a wicked little device, and it's only £35 (seems cheap in PDA accessory land). I keep coming across the problem of public access wi-fi hotspots, but the signal strength on both a Pocket PC and a Palm OS, is too weak, for me to use it. This will (hopefully) allow me to boost the signal so that I can hook into these networks, it's skype time

Also, FYI, there is some nice software (freeward and shareware) for both Pocket PC and Palm OS, that improves the management of finding, and accessing hotspots on your handheld - see http://www.mobile-learning.blog-city.com/finding_and_managing_wifi_hotspots.htm for more details.

If anyone has any feedback about this wireless cantenna gadget, I'd appreciate it 

I was wondering if anyone could recommend an xml page editor to run on a pocket pc. I've played around with html editors but I need to save the file in an xml format. Any pointers would be appreciated - otherwise a cunning plan concerning mobile podcasting has been dented  - http://www.mobile-learning.blog-city.com/creating_and_uploading_audio_files_to_a_blog_or_web_space.htm

I thought I'd better update you all ... otherwise I'd be spreading wrong information and doing a disservice to Skype. You can undertake instant messenger, and conference calls (you can't set them up) from your PDA. I'm starting to document my findings / thoughts on http://www.mobile-learning.blog-city.com/skypefever_skypefever.htm

So, any takers for that PDA to PDA session?

Wow ... three replies, all on different topics - where to start !

In terns of Kathy, then I don't think will work on mobile phones (I could be wrong - I'm no expert), but looking down the list on the Skype web site it doesn't look to good - http://www.skype.com

I'm glad Tempest got it working, it sounds like the same set up that I'm running, on an Ipaq. I'd also agree that the lack of consistent, free access to wi-fi does make Skype as your primary voice communication tool a little scary. I could see myself having to use the phone regularly. Also, Jon's point does raise questions about it's use. I might have to have a quiet word with a few technical people at my end 

A point that disappointed me was the reduced functionality offered on the Skype Pocket PC version. Unless I've not clicked the appropriate box, it seems to offer only offer 1-2-1 communication. No instant messenger or small group conferencing. Have I missed anything?

Anybody out there want to test skype on a PDA to PDA call - preferable over a public network (I'll use Caffe Gusto - it's free, well you do have to buy a cup of tea). I'd be really interested to hear the quality, and experience this whole skype thing. If you do, I suppose it's best to share "skype accounts of list" - my email is andy.ramsden@bristol.ac.uk

Well it's not just podcasting, there is also vodcasting.

I've just been playing with FeederReader and I stumbled on Vodcasting - Video on Demand Publishing. There are some examples linked from the FeederReader site http://feederreader.pocketcasting.com/viewtopic.php?t=61. I must say, I thought there was real potential in terms of both learning and teacher centred approaches. In terms of production and distribution would be very straightforward, all you need is the appropriate educational application. That said, I'm a simple man, who likes simpler technologies so I'll be sticking with further evaluation of podcasting and leave vodcasting to those more "on the edge" 

Hi,

Myself and a few colleagues are about to start to explore the use of skype on handhelds. As you'd imagine this is likely to be a chore given we'll need to sit in cafes and bars "checking it out". However, before I start I thought I'd ask you lot about any experiences you've had 

I'm interested in looking at the different functionality of skype, i.e., audio calls, instant messenger functionality and small group conferences. Has anyone tried these with PDAs? If so, I'd appreciate any pointers/comments/pitfalls.

Cheers

Andy

Not only does feederreader look interesting ... it works 

No problems with respect to set up and use (I went for a trial and error approach and mastered enough in 30 minutes to use it). So, I can now access my subscribed podcasts on my wi-fi connected Ipaq H2200. Cafe Gusto will never be the same again ;-) - for more details see http://www.mobile-learning.blog-city.com/it_works__capturing_podcasts_on_your_pocket_pc.htm

I don't normally venture onto this side of the tracks - being a palm person myself. It's all a little scary in Pocket PC land. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone can help ;-)

Could anyone recommend a good bit of software for listening to internet radio on a pocket PC? (I've got the wi-fi etc.,).

Cheers

Andy