The Handheld device although completely portable is quite restrictive on what you would use it for. It would be very difficult to create written essays or typed work on the device. It would also not have a good enough screen or hard disk to be a personal media device together with unreliable storage methods.
It may make a good intermediary device that the user carries between sites enabling them to upload and download information without the weight and size of even a ultra portable laptop.
When considering both units you need to look at:
Connectivity – Input and output Ports
Screen Size
Infra Red
Bluetooth
Camera
GPS
Weight
Screen Size
WiFi
Built-in Software.
Sim – Option
Warranty
Everybody knows the applications and uses of a Laptop in any environment, but how would a handheld device be used in a school as perhaps a replacement of a laptop.
What could you do with a handheld device? It was always a question that was posed during discussion.
However for the education market there are now some excellent sites and tools that the teacher can utilise to get the best from their devices..
http://www.createascape.org.uk
A great site that uses the devices GPS and other features to create and use Mediascapes. (Mediascapes encourage new interactions with the environment - they give a new perspective on the space in which they are set, especially those that tell hidden histories.)
http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/index.html
A major information resource about e-learning.
This site once fully active will allow downloads of curriculum books and other e-learning tools.
http://education.smarttech.com/ste/en-US/Why+Choose/K-12+solutions/Product+news+and+resources/SynchronEyes/default.htm
This easy-to-use software gives you control over all the computers in your classroom or computer lab. You can work with the whole class, groups of students or one-on-one with anyone who needs your help. With SynchronEyes, you can also block programs, such as games or the Internet, for individuals or the entire class.
http://www.jisc.ac.uk/uploaded_documents/InnovativePE.pdf
The JISC e-Learning Programme promotes the development of national and international standards for effective e-learning in collaboration with partner agencies and national strategic bodies, and in consultation with the education and research sectors. Information about the programme can be found on the JISC e-Learning Programme website.
www.jisc.ac.uk/elearning
There have been many studies and projects that show encouraging results with increased learning and understanding of many subjects once the handheld device was introduced.
http://www.wfu.edu/technology/research/iPAQs.html
The Information Systems Research & Development team has been working with academic departments since the fall of 2001 to test the use of PocketPC devices in classrooms. We chose to distribute PocketPCs to students for an entire semester rather than using class sets. This enables students to become more familiar with the devices and to explore their use both in other classes and outside of class. It also saves several precious minutes of class time that would otherwise be consumed by distributing and collecting PocketPCs before and after class.
http://www.techdis.ac.uk/index.php?p=9
e-Learning and m-Learning – Usability and accessibility of PDA’s in education.
E-assessment, Disabilities, Web Accessibility, m-Learning, e-Learning, Creation of Learning Materials, Technology Topics
Although I’m wavering towards the use of handheld devices in schools, I think it’s only a matter of time before every pupil will have one.