Throughout the model, we make suggestions for using "computers." For the most part, we are referring to desktop or laptop computers. Typical classrooms may have one computer connected to a projection device that is used by the teacher for whole-group instruction with several others computers available for use by individuals or groups of students. In addition, most schools have at least one computer lab to which teachers can take their classes or rolling carts of computers that can be signed out for use in individual classrooms.. The media center at most schools also generally has computers available as well for both teacher and student use. Some schools are beginning to give computers to all the students for use both during and after class. In these cases, the computers are often laptops. But, there are other pieces of hardware that can used as "computers" including Alphasmarts, handhelds and even graphing calculators. Our suggestions for technology use will take these various organizational systems into consideration in order to help teachers make use of whatever computers they have available to them. In some instances, we offer configuration suggestions when particular technologies seem to be the most appropriate for the situation.
The links below will provide additional information about several of the recent laptop initiatives as well as alternatives to laptops.
Maine Laptop Initiative: Maine was the first state to begin to give laptops to all students, but many individual school divisions are also doing this, often using textbook budgets to privde access. You can learn more about the project by visiting the state's website.
Alphasmarts: Alphasmarts have been used for years in special education classrooms to help students with their writing. For a reasonable price, every child could have a word processor that could, when they were ready to publish, be hooked to the classroom computer or printer. The Dana, the newest Alphasmart product, runs on the Palm OS system and can take advantage not only of word processing software but also all the other Palm OS applications, many of which are free. Alphasmarts and Danas can be purchased individually and in carts. Visit the company website to learn more.
Handhelds: Personal Digital Assistants are being seen more and more in schools as a lower cost alternative to laptops. When equipped with a keyboard and wireless access, these little mini-computers can do almost everything their larger, higher-priced cousin can do. In addition, handhelds can be accessorized with science probes, digital cameras, and even miniature printers to make them the ultimate education device. The best place to start to learn about handhelds is one of several websites devoted to the use of handhelds in education including Handheld Learning, pdaED.com, and HICE's Handhelds.
Graphing Calculators: At a recent conference, I was amazed to find Texas Instruments demonstrating how their product could be used in the history classroom. Add a keyboard and some software, and a piece of hardware that normally doesn't get beyond the math or science classroom becomes useful throughout the school. And since most schools have several sets of calculators already available, this may be a sensible way to begin to explore ubiquitous computing in your school. Visit the company website to learn more.
Peripherals: Many schools have purchased additional pieces of hardware to use in conjunction with desktop or laptop computers. These include both still and video digital cameras, scanners, microscopes, and science probes.