Advances in handheld computing technology
have meant that Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are no
longer simply electronic replacements for paper diaries,
with current models capable of performing a wide range of
functions. Such increased functionality has seen the rapid
adoption of handhelds in the corporate sector, but it is
perhaps in education that this technology may have the greatest
impact.
Our paper explored the use of handheld
computers in a variety of educational contexts. The first
part of the paper provides an overview of some of the recent
research that has been done in this area, and identifies
several key projects. The second section looks at the educational
issues raised by these projects, and argues that, as with
any educational technology, careful consideration must be
given to student needs before any hardware or software can
be introduced. The paper concludes with a brief discussion
of potential future uses of handhelds in the classroom, focusing
particularly on the possibilities created by new wireless
standards.
