It is important that the implementation of hand-held learning is considered from a number of different environmental factors.  These essential building blocks need to be brought together into a coherent and integrated solution in order to get the best from any hand-held learning investment - it's far more than just the device!  There are many on-going theories relating to mobile and hand-held learning and, as with any area of innovation, there are many opposing views.  However, it could be argued that all of the theories address the following four key areas.


Each of the areas are listed below along with some of the typical questions that you need to ask yourself.  A motivating learning environment will take account of all these aspects.

Many of these issues will present a challenge but can also be a source of inspiration for rethinking how and why you do things the way you do at present and in the future.

One thing for certain is that change is inevitable.



PHYSICAL SPACE

• How will the school building layout need to be changed?
• What type of funiture, desking and surroundings would promote hand-held learning?
• Will the school grounds require any modification - covered areas?
• Will you need to accomodate use of these devices in say the library or resource centre?
• By adopting hand-held learning will you need so many ICT suites?

SOCIAL ASPECTS

• How can we establish a climate for hand-held learning?
• How can we involve the parents?
• How can we create a sense of device ownsership and personalised learning?
• How can hand-held learning be used to help students from a poorer socio-economic background?
• Can we perhaps loan or rent the devices to students?

DIDACTIC & PEDAGOGICAL VIEW

• How could hand-held learning change our approach to learning?
• How much of our existing methods can (and should) be applied to this environment?
• What new opportunities for learning could this investment offer?
• How will we ensure that our teachers and students are fully trained?
• How can hand-held learning be made to suit the needs of the learners?

TECHNOLOGICAL VIEW

• How can we BLEND hand-held learning into our existing ICT and learning strategies?
• What technical support will we need to have in place?
• What content and from what sources will we be able to make use of?
• How often and where can students charge their device?
• Where can the devices be used?  WiFi coverage, 3G connectivity etc....

There will be many more questions to be answered but it is important to realise that by considering the potential impact of hand-held learning prior to purchase it will help you to get the best from any choice you make.  SANAKO will be there to support you all the way in this new and exciting learning opportunity.