UltraMoblie PCs changing the way we learn
There is no doubt that laptops computers have changed the way we think about learning. The idea of mobile connectivity has opened up doors for learning activities that we couldn’t even consider 10 years ago. However, laptops have their limitations too. For example, you still need a desk (or at least to be sitting down) to use one. Laptop batteries have limited capacity and the size prevents them from being carried around at all times. That was the goal of PDAs (palm pilots, balckberries, etc). The problem with PDAs is that they suck. Software limitations, connectivity issues, as well as major usability issues (thank you, Palm) rendered PDAs a great idea in theory, but a royal pain in the classroom.
So now it’s time for something new: Ultra Moblie Personal Computers (UMPCs). These are devices that are just slightly bigger than PDAs, but have a full fledged operating system, standard connectivity, and bright full-color screen like a laptop. For example, most UMPCs have USB and FireWire ports, a 30 GB hard drive, 512 MB of RAM, 1GHz processor - this is NOT a PDA, it’s just the SIZE of one.
The leading venders are offering UMPCs for just over $1000. Here are some examples…
As educators, I hope we take some time to think about how UMPCs can change the limitations of how learners acces course content and interact with their learning community.
May 10th, 2007 at 10:33 am
We have three carts of 30 laptops in our elementary school. They rotate to the classroom and provide in class opportunities for testing and educational enhancement that more seamlessly integrates to the curriculum.
Don