Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Chapter 10, Question 5, Charles Tewalt

The emerging technology that I have chosen is the handheld computing/interactive devices. This technology appeared i the form of calculators several decades ago. Calculators revolutionized mathematics, physics, sciences,chemistry, and daily life. Since then these devices have evolved into cell phones, palm pilots, and PDA's. With computers becoming ever smaller the handheld computers will soon be available at levels affordable to most school districts.

Benefits include the size differences between computers and handheld devices which make storage easier when not in use. Teachers will not have scheduling conflicts and compromises with other teachers for computer lab use. Distribution and collection of the handheld devices will take far less time than moving the entire class to a computer lab and seating the students. Handheld devices cost far less than a computer system would allowing for more in each classroom, as opposed to several students sharing 2-3 in-classroom computers. The biggest feature is that in a classroom already equipped with computers for each student, when the computers are not in use during instruction the monitor is a huge visual obstruction/distraction. Handheld devices will eliminate this once and for all.

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