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| Handheld computers are not replacements for desktop computers. Desktop computers continue to perform major processing functions, while palmtops are "satellites" for quick and mobile information access and communication. |
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| The typical handheld computer comes with personal information manager (PIM) functions: calendar, address list, task list, and memos. These would appear to be the core features of the machine, but they really only scratch the surface of its potential. Like larger computers, the power of these mighty little machines lies in the ability to use different software packages and special hardware to do many different jobs. The possibilities of these small devices are limited only by the imagination of the user. |
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| Handheld computers have great potential for helping education leaders gather and use information. However, like all technologies, there are limitations and expectations to be understood. Screen size is one concern. The small screen size allows high portability but may also be difficult to read. Differences in lighting add to this problem. Data input is another area of concern for some users. Data are input to the device in two main ways: an on-screen keyboard tapped with a pen and optical character recognition software that understands on-screen handwriting. The small keyboard is not very practical, as it takes up a large part of the screen and is slow to use. Some people find it difficult to master the writing input because it is different from writing on paper. Though these limitations can be problematic, they are seen by most users as "how machines now work." The bottom line for new users is that they must understand the capabilities of handheld computers and have realistic expectations. |
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| Some people look at technology and think about how it can be used. A better approach would be to look at how people work and use information and then look for software or hardware that will help them to interact better with that information. We provide the Pownell-Bailey Model of Handheld Computing Literacy as a framework for that approach. |
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| Six leadership functions are at the heart of what information-literate leaders can do with handheld computers: organizing and planning, reference information, gathering and analyzing, learning and self-improvement, communicating, and teaming and collaboration. These functions are not rigid categories separated from each other but fluid functions that overlap and enhance each other. They are represented in expanding circles to indicate increasing complexity, empowerment, and effectiveness for leaders and their learning organizations (Figure 1). We describe each function briefly, provide a scenario, and offer software resources. (See "Palm* Resources" at www.iste.org/L&L* — select Archive, then Volume 27 no. 8 (May) — for more information on the software mentioned here.) |
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| (Figure 1) refers to managing time, keeping track of contacts, and targeting tasks to be done. These are usually done with the built-in datebook, address book, to-do list, and memo pad. This function also includes working with ideas and projects using an outliner and setting alarms for reminders. Educational leaders often have busy schedules and need to contact a myriad of people throughout their day. |
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| Scenario |
| The principal of the elementary school needs to stay organized. She uses the built-in personal information manager (PIM) functions of her handheld computer to keep her schedule, addresses, phone numbers, and tasks up to date. The handheld computer synchronizes data with her office computer so she can enter information either at her desk or away from it. She does this "hotsync" operation by putting her Palm in a cradle and pressing a button. This is an easy process, and she always has the most current data on both her handheld computer and her desktop. |
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| Software |
| The Palm comes with built-in software for organizing and planning. The datebook is for calendars, the address book contains contact information, the to-do list keeps prioritized tasks, and the memo pad keeps notes of miscellaneous information. Though these do an adequate job, many users will need more powerful versions of these. Franklin Covey incorporates Microsoft* Ascend*, a powerful scheduling and planning tool. Other PIM enhancers include the shareware calendar Datebk3, SuperNames or AddressPro for a better address book, and ToDo Plus, which gives the user more task list options. Outlining is a good way to work with projects and ideas. Two examples of these are Brainforest and Thoughtmill. A good review and explanation of outliners can be found at www.jimthompson.net/palmpda/History/outliners.htm*. |
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| (Figure 1) is a knowledge base that education leaders can draw from. Having this base of important information readily available is critical. The type of information needed by leaders is as diverse as the situations. Databases of staff and student information and school documents are examples of information that can be carried and accessed instantly. |
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| Scenario |
| The school district needs to integrate technology into its schools, and the curriculum director wants more information. He has visited the Kansas State Board of Education Web site and found a "Student Leadership Showcase" retreat that sounds like a great source of information. The Web page has much information pertaining to the retreat such as registration, agenda, accommodations, driving directions, and contact information. It would be good to have this information on his Palm, so he saves the page as an HTML file, converts it to iSilo* format, and installs it on his handheld computer for future reference. |
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| Software |
| Educational leaders need to have timely access to important information. Much information can be stored on a Palm computer and viewed with different programs. Databases are one of the most common ways of storing information such as contacts, bibliographies, and network passwords. JFile is one of the most popular Palm databases, and it can exchange information with desktop computers. Large documents such as school policies, guidelines, or conference agendas can be read with a number of different document readers such as AportisDoc, TealDoc, and SmartDoc. Special document readers such as RichReader can display bold, italic, and underlined type to aid readability. iSilo is another type of reader that can display documents in HTML format. |
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| (Figure 1) refers to collecting and/or manipulating information to answer questions or make decisions. Form programs and databases can be used to gather data such as expenses or scores from testing or evaluations. Many different types of calculators and spreadsheets can be used to answer "what-if" questions. |
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| Scenario |
| The inventory of technology equipment in the district has not been kept up, and the new technology coordinator needs to bring it up to date. The JFile database on her handheld computer allows her to quickly gather the information as she visits each school. Then, back at her office, she puts that data in her desktop computer's database to use for reports and evaluations. |
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| Software |
| Educational leaders rely on data analysis to make many decisions in the course of the school day. Many programs can help you accomplish these tasks. Spreadsheets are a typical tool to work with numeric data. MiniCalc and QuickSheet are small spreadsheets for the Palm; they have many of the usual spreadsheet functions, and they connect easily with Microsoft Excel. Other programs such as ConvertIt and MetriCalc can help with monetary, scientific, or conversion situations. Databases such as MobileDB can also be used to collect information while you are away from the office, such as teacher evaluation data and building information. Large documents can also be edited and revised using editors such as SmartDoc or QED. |
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| (Figure 1) are critical to educational leaders. Enormous amounts of information are created constantly, and the lifelong learner needs to have timely access to it. Web pages and other digital documents can be put on palmtop computers for enrichment. Also, tutorials and self-testers can be used to help the leader understand new concepts and ideas. |
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| Scenario |
| There is a German exchange student at the high school this year. The principal used to know how to speak German but needs to brush up. He decides that using a language translator on the Palm would help with this task. He visits www.palmgear.com* on the Internet. There he finds the program BDicty and plug-in dictionaries for German-to-English and English-to-German. He downloads them, unarchives them, and installs the files on his Palm. He now has a ready reference to help him communicate with the exchange student. |
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| Software |
| Good leaders are lifelong learners. They can use Palm computers to help them learn new information and techniques. To keep up with current events in education and technology, Web pages from news organizations such as The New York Times and CNN can be downloaded through AvantGo. Current journal articles can also be saved as text from the Web and read with document readers such as SmartDoc. Journaling is a powerful self-improvement tool. There are several ways to do this on the Palm. Pocket-Journal allows the user to write in a daily journal format, while Datebk3 has a built-in journaling function. Graphics programs such as Viewer III can show pictorial information and visual tutorials. Tutor programs such as Flash and JTutor can be set up to enhance the learning of concepts. |
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| (Figure 1) is the exchange of information. Educational leaders can share important information with others. This can be done through e-mail, faxing, and beaming from one palmtop computer to another. Examples of typical exchanged information include "electronic business cards," programs of interest, and pertinent databases or documents. |
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| Scenario |
| The superintendent is at a conference. She is meeting many other administrators with whom she would like to stay in touch. Some of these people also have Palm computers, and instead of exchanging paper business cards, they beam each other their electronic ones. Later in the day, she remembers that she needs to send a fax with information she found on the Internet earlier. She uses her Palm with a modem to connect to the Internet and the browser Palmscape to go to the site with the information. She copies the information and opens the fax software Handfax. She then pastes the information into a new fax, writes some notes, and sends it to a fax machine at the central office. |
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| Software |
| This function is important in today's world. One way to share information is to "beam" it from one Palm to another using infrared capability. Beaming business cards between users is a built-in function. Other data files such as relevant databases and documents can also be exchanged by beaming through programs such as SmartDoc and JFile. Many programs can also be transferred this way using the built-in beaming function or with a third-party program like BeamBox. The handheld computer is becoming more connected all the time. With a detachable modem, the Palm can send e-mail and faxes or surf the Web using MultiMail, HandFax, or Palmscape. In the very near future, wireless Internet access will be available, as the functions of cell phones and handheld computers blend. (Wireless Internet is available now, but availability varies by area.) The new Qualcomm* Smartphone is a combination cell phone and Palm computer. |
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| (Figure 1) is the use of handheld computers to facilitate the teaming process in the learning community. This is the highest level of palmtop computer use. At this level, palmtops can facilitate project planning and information sharing, both of which increase the team's effectiveness. |
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| Scenario |
| The district administrators have decided to use handheld computers in their teaming process. They use groupware to synchronize their schedules. This makes meeting planning much easier. They also share knowledge by beaming information to each other. They use BeamBox, which allows them to exchange new programs and documents. The word processing program SmartDoc is also used to exchange documents. They are planning to place Ethernet cradles around the building so they can gather and share information on the school network without having to be at their offices. |
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| Software |
| Leaders require a significant amount of communication. They should work toward building a learning organization that uses extensive communication. At this level, a high degree of facilitation by the leaders and the technology is necessary. Palmtop computers can be synchronized with organizational programs such as Lotus Notes and Novell GroupWise for team scheduling and project management. Databases and documents can be shared to monitor organizational goals. Communications such as e-mail and Web-based discussions take on new meaning in the learning organization. Wireless networks allow instant messaging and communication anywhere in the local area network. |
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