Handheld Computers in Special Education
By Walser, Paula; Closing the Gap, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 1, 14-15Publication Date: June/July 2004
Article discusses the use of handheld computers in special education classrooms. Handheld computers are small, lightweight devices that run on an operating system and require a connection to a personal computer for the purpose of downloading data. They have small screens, and text may be inputted by operating an onscreen keyboard or by writing by hand on the screen. Two operating systems exist for handheld computers: (1) Palm, and (2) Pocket PC. Handheld computers have features such as date books, address books, calculators, memo pad applications, and to-do lists. Such applications assist students with mild learning disabilities. For example, the calendar feature can be used by the teacher to record classroom assignments with attached notes detailing assignment format or directions. The assignments can then be beamed to the student’s handheld. The to-do list can be used to document the steps of a complex process. Self-management and organization are keys to academic achievement, and the basic functions of handheld computers help to reinforce these skills. A table outlining various handheld functions and applications is included.
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
