Michele Pierantozzi

LS 521 Sp 02

3/9/02

Article Critique

This article reviews the use of hand held computer devices in education. Schools all over the country are experimenting with the portable devices in a variety of ways. Administrators can be more visible in hallways and on the go while maintaining an office connection. Possible uses for administrators include attendance, checking personal as well as student schedules, and taking notes while in the hallways or out of the building. Classroom teachers can use handheld computers for attendance, grading, progress reports, data collection, and access to student records. This small, transportable machine allows teachers to bring the device home and back to school. The relatively low price makes it more economical to provide each teacher with a handheld computer. Suggested uses for students include receiving and submitting homework assignments, taking notes, and creating inquiry based projects, to name a few. The author emphasizes that hand held computers will not replace desktop or laptop computers in the school. These devices are another piece of equipment to use to enhance the established curriculum.

I have mixed feelings about the use of Palm Pilots in schools. On one hand, the convenience for teachers and administrators is immeasurable. It would save time and paperwork to take attendance, keep track of grades, schedule meetings, and even document student progress on a handheld computer. The technology might motivate reluctant students to do homework, take notes, and collect data with enthusiasm. However, I can anticipate how handheld computers could be misused in schools without clear guidelines for use. Students in my school with high tech calculators spend class time playing games that are programmed on their calculators. I have confiscated several in my reading class! I am afraid the same would be true if students were supplied with handheld computers. One of the county high schools has provided Palm Pilots to their students. Rumors of misuse by students have made their way into the local newspapers. I think that clear guidelines for educational use must be outlined before a school implements the use of hand held computers.