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The IRin AlphaSmart 3000
IR stands for infrared,which works like a TV remote control.
To transfer data from your AlphaSmart to a word-processing document
on your Macintosh or PC, just aim the AlphaSmart 3000 IR at the IR
receiver on your desktop computer, and voilą.Many new
computers have IR receivers, but if yours doesn't, you have two
options. You can either purchase an infrared pod from AlphaSmart for
$20 to attach to your computer, or you can use the Y-cable (which
allows the AlphaSmart and your keyboard to be attached
simultaneously) to connect your computer to the AlphaSmart. To
transfer text from your desktop computer back to the AlphaSmart
(which is helpful if your students bounce back and forth between the
two), you can purchase Get Utility,a software package from
AlphaSmart that costs $19. If you're low on funds, check out the
company's Web site for the AlphaSmart 2000 IR (an older version of
the AlphaSmart 3000 IR). They're cheaper ($149), but don't have the
cut/copy/paste feature or mini-software programs. AlphaSmart 3000 and 3000 IR
facts:
 Size: 12.4" x 9.3"
x 1.9" Weight: about 2
lbs. Batteries: three AA batteries last 200 to 500
hours Price: $199 without IR; $224 with IR (you can also
get discounts when buying 25 or more) Web site: http://www.alphasmart.com/ Toll-free
number: (888) 274-0680
Palm IIIe
 Handheld Palm devices
have been around for a long time in the corporate world, but now
their use in schools is growing. Students can take notes by tapping
the Palm's on-screen keyboard or by writing on the screen with a
stylus. Because kids might have difficulty writing with the Palm's
specialized alphabet (called Graffiti), you may want to purchase a
few Landware GoType! Keyboards, which come with free word-processing
software, at about $70 each (http://www.landware.com/products/gotype/gotypeps.html
[800] 526-3977). These are small (10" x 4" x 0.75", 11 oz.),
full-size keyboards which connect to the Palm so students can easily
type into it (see picture, above right). There are hundreds of
freeware(free software) and sharewareprograms
(software that you can use for a limited time) that you can download
from the Palm company's Web site (go to http://www.palm.com/ and
then click on "Web Resources"). These include spreadsheets,
databases, and drawing applications. To exchange information with
your PC, simply place the Palm in the cradle (a specially equipped
holding device that comes with the Palm) and press a button. If you
use a Macintosh, Palm sells separate connection kits. Students can
also "beam" information to each other's Palms with the infrared
feature. Palm IIIe
facts: Size: 4.7" x 3.2"
x 0.7" Weight: 6 oz. Batteries: two AAA batteries last up to 30 days with daily
use Price: about $180 Web site: http://www.palm.com/products/palmiiiese/index.html
Toll-free number: (800) 881-7256
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Handspring Visor
 The Handspring Visor is a new competitor of the Palm, which
can run Palm software. You can download or buy freeware and
shareware for the Visor (such as a vocabulary trainer, nursery rhyme
software, and more) at the company's Web site (go to http://www.handspring.com/ and then click on
"Software Links"). In addition to all the features of the Palm,
including being able to work with a $70 Landware GoType! Keyboard
(visit http://www.landware.com/gotype/visor.html or call
[800] 526-3977 for details), the Visor has
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GoType
Keyboard | a slot in the back
where you can add Springboard Modules. These modules, which are
mostly made by third-party manufacturers, include modems, voice
recorders, audio players, and electronic books, with many more
planned for the future (for details, go to the Handspring Web site
and then click on "Products," or call Handspring at the number
below). With this expandability, the Visor has many possibilities
for the classroom. Handspring Visor facts:
Size: 4.8" x 3" x 0.7" Weight: 5.4 oz.
Batteries: two AAA batteries will last up to 30
days with daily use Price: about $180
with the cradle Web site: http://www.handspring.com/ Toll-free
number: (888) 565-9393
Video Blaster WebCam Go
 To
incorporate pictures and videos into all areas of the curriculum,
students can use the Video Blaster WebCam Go from Creative Labs.
This little PC-only video camera can be attached to the computer to
do Internet videoconferencing and create video clips for
PowerPointor Hyperstudiopresentations. It's also
portable so kids can take digital still pictures around school or on
field trips. The WebCam comes with software for conferencing and
image editing. If you're lucky enough to get a classroom set, you'll
find that the possibilities are practically unlimited. Video Blaster WebCam Go
facts: Size: 3" x 5.5" x
1.5" Weight: 5.8 oz. Batteries: two AAA
batteries last for about 300 snapshots Price:
$150 Web site: http://www.soundblaster.com/video/webcam-go/ Toll-free number: (800) 998-1000
Sources: Finding out
more information For more details and ordering
information, see the product-fact sections above.
Thoughts: Afterward, reflect on your
quest
How can
you use portable devices with your curriculum?
How will teaching and learning improve with these devices? Do their benefits justify the price?
Can kids use them easily?
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