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What is Handheld Learning?

Often referred to as mLearning (mobile learning,) Handheld Learning refers to the use of mobile technologies in teaching and learning. Using smaller and more mobile technologies gives the potential to equip each learner with a device, which can accompany them anywhere. This makes learning more personalised, extends learning beyond the classroom and gives the user greater independence in their learning.

Over the last few years there has been an increasing amount of interest and research into the benefits of using handheld devices in, and out of, schools.

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Why Handheld Learning?

It is estimated that 90% of teenagers own some sort of personal media device. This may be an MP3 player, mobile phone, PSP etc. It is a technology that young people know and enjoy. They use them for entertainment, to communicate, to create and to share.

However, on the whole these devices are banned in schools. Many educators are now asking whether these mobile technologies can aid teaching and learning, and should actually be embraced rather than discouraged. When compared with ‘traditional’ ICT, handheld devices are of lower cost, can be used anywhere and everywhere, 24/7. Consider the impact on learning of a personal device that accompanies a learner throughout the school day and then goes home with him/her, where the learning can continue.

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Which Devices are Being Used?

iPod Touch: Touch screen handheld computer with access to thousands of apps. More...

Nintendo DS: Popular gaming device. The latest version (DSi) features a camera.

PDA: Personal Digital Assistant. This is a small handheld computer that usually runs a mobile version of Windows or an operating system called Palm.

EDA: Educational Digital Assistant. This is a ruggedised PDA with pre-installed educational software, a built in camera and screen protector, specifically aimed at the education market.

Smartphone: A cross between a mobile phone and a PDA. Usually runs the Windows Mobile operating system.

Mobile Phone: Most phones now come with cameras, MP3 players, calendars, calculators, note pads and other tools.

PSP: Sony Playstation Portable. This is a handheld gaming device but has very powerful multimedia capabilities, the option to add a camera, an MP3 and video player, an integrated web browser and other features.

iPod: Apple’s MP3 player that can do so much more than just play MP3s.

NetBooks: Smaller, laptop-style devices.   More information on these devices

Tablet computers : Apple iPads or other Android or Windows tablets.

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What Can be Done with them?

Depending on the device used, handheld technologies can be used for many different purposes across the curriculum.

Examples include:

• Storing documents and information to be accessible to you wherever you are.
• Taking and storing photographs and videos to support visual learning.
• Downloading teacher-made personalised resources from the school network to work on individually.
• Using specific education software on the handheld device.
• Accessing the Internet.
• Reading and/or creating eBooks.
• Downloading and listening to podcasts.
• Emailing and texting (eg an SMS quiz.)
• Creating documents, spreadsheets, graphs etc.
• Watching and reviewing videos at the individuals own pace.
• Write onto a PDA and use handwriting recognition to convert it into text.
• Use GPS for location based activities.

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What is Going on Around the Country?

There have been a number of research projects and innovative pilots around the country. To read about some of these, follow these links: [please set to open in new window]

• Wolverhampton Mobile Learning
• Aston Pride PDA Project

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What is Going on in Hertfordshire?

Holdbrook Primary School

Holdbrook Primary School in Waltham Cross are running an innovative project using Apple's iPod Touch devices with 'brain training' type mental maths software. Children in year 6 have been taking part in daily sessions during the summer term, with year 5 children being introduced to the iPods as well. More...

The Reddings Primary & Nursery School
During the Spring term 2010 The Reddings Primary and Nursery School in Hemel Hempstead ran a project in Year 6 using Nintendo DS gaming consoles, together with brain training software: More Brain Training by Dr. Kawashima: How Old Is Your Brain? Across a 9 week period the children carried out 10 to 15 minutes of mental cognition exercises using the games, and their “brain age” score was recorded on a weekly basis. More...

St. Lukes School in Redbourn has piloted the use of Sony Playstation Portables (PSPs). You can read the case study here.

Wilbury Junior School in Letchworth ran a year long pilot from September 2008 in Year 6, evaluating how handheld technologies can support Literacy and KS2 to KS3 transition. More..

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Considerations

A lot of issues need to be taken into account before embarking on a handheld learning project.

Consider:

• What you want to achieve through implementing the use of mobile devices.
• The focus of the project / pilot.
• Whether you have the support of the SLT and other colleagues.
• Which device(s) you will choose.
• The size of the project / pilot.
• Technical Support for the devices.
• Your wireless network infrastructure.
• Funding

Download a list of essential considerations for handheld/mobile learning

• Word 2003, 44kb/2 pages, 02/07/2009, essential_considerations.doc

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Video Links

Teachers’ TV has some good videos on handheld learning, which look at some current uses of mobile technologies.

• PDAs in Secondary Science
• Dudley PDA project
• Personalised Learning with ICT
• Mobile Technologies in English

If you are interested in finding out more about handheld learning, please contact:

Chris Carter
eDevelopments Adviser
Email: chris.carter@hertscc.gov.uk
Tel: 01438 843918

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Disclaimer: images used on this page are for illustration purposes only and do not represent any recommendation.