Tiny Devices and 1-to-1
I am writing this from my new Fujitsu U810 tablet computer with the 5.6" screen, I am investigating the use of the iPod touch with a class of high school students, I am on the list to be notified when I can purchase the XO laptop with their "Give One, Get One" program starting soon, and I am waiting patiently for the 7" Asus EeePC (at, it seems, about $200 or $250) to come out so we can start realistically thinking about one device per student.
See a trend here? I have been saying for years that much of what one needs to do with technology can be done on a "smaller" device. (And, as many of you can attest, bothering anyone who would listen to me and put up with my excitement at what my newest gadget could do!)
Now that so many applications are available as Web 2.0 applications, which are Web-based and require little processing power on the user's device, I think the time has come to start promoting a "1-to-1 Device" initiative for schools.
At the same time, we need to purchase pods of "blinged-out" computers, the production stations students will need for their heavy duty processing applications (video, CAD, audio editing). We also should include scanners, Flash card readers, Firewire ports, midi keyboards, and any other input devices students might need for their creative purposes.
Even of more importance to me is the fact students need to have wirelessly connected devices with them 24x7. We are becoming a society of information consumers, and students should have access to information sources, both on the open Web and in subscription databases, wherever and whenever they need it. They should be able to communicate and collaborate with others via social networks and Web 2.0 content-creation tools.
I think these small, low-cost, well-made, feature-rich, crop of mobile devices can meet this need. Anybody with me?
Technorati tags:
Kathy Schrock
Fujitsu U810
Asus Eee PC
XO Laptop
iPod touch
See a trend here? I have been saying for years that much of what one needs to do with technology can be done on a "smaller" device. (And, as many of you can attest, bothering anyone who would listen to me and put up with my excitement at what my newest gadget could do!)
Now that so many applications are available as Web 2.0 applications, which are Web-based and require little processing power on the user's device, I think the time has come to start promoting a "1-to-1 Device" initiative for schools.
At the same time, we need to purchase pods of "blinged-out" computers, the production stations students will need for their heavy duty processing applications (video, CAD, audio editing). We also should include scanners, Flash card readers, Firewire ports, midi keyboards, and any other input devices students might need for their creative purposes.
Even of more importance to me is the fact students need to have wirelessly connected devices with them 24x7. We are becoming a society of information consumers, and students should have access to information sources, both on the open Web and in subscription databases, wherever and whenever they need it. They should be able to communicate and collaborate with others via social networks and Web 2.0 content-creation tools.
I think these small, low-cost, well-made, feature-rich, crop of mobile devices can meet this need. Anybody with me?
Technorati tags:
Kathy Schrock
Fujitsu U810
Asus Eee PC
XO Laptop
iPod touch
Labels: Asus EeePC, Fujitsu U810, iPod touch, Kathy Schrock, XO Laptop
4 Comments:
Hi Kathy,
I'm happy to read this post. Like many tech directors, I am anxious to start an affordable, practical 1:1 project in our district. When visiting with vendors, I give them this list of "must-have's" before I'd consider such a project:
• Weighs less than two pounds?
• Runs at least eight hours on a battery charge?
• Is 802.11x compliant?
• Can be dropped without breaking?
• Comes only with a full-featured web browser for software?
• Has a screen that can be read for a long time without eyestrain?
• And sells at a price point most parents can afford – let’s say under $200?
Do any of your new gizmos meet these requirements or come close?
It'll be fun to follow your links to the products. Thanks for sharing!
Doug
So what do you think of the little fujitsu? We tried a few last year with teachers and they were very unhappy with it. So we got the next size up the T series so far we are happy with them.
I totally agree with you that schools still need the fully loaded desktops as well.
Please keep us posted on all the gizmos!
Thanks, Judy
Judy,
You did not use this little Fujitsu since it just came out last week. In addition, it would not be the teacher's machine, but the students. But it is a full laptop and is not really the thing I am thinking of for students.
Doug,
The XO (One Laptop Per Child) supposedly can do what you are asking as supposedly can the Asus EeePC. I cannot vouch for either since they are not out, but I know the XO is made to be sturdy....
However, the XO is a project for countries other than ours, and there is only going to be a 2-week period where US parents can buy 2-- one for their use and one as a donation to another country. It is a fund-raiser for the project.
Two reviews:
One and Two
Post a Comment
<< Home