Today’s students use portable technology as an integral part of their life with items such as phones, MP3 players and gaming players and have hence found new ways of understanding and learning. Today’s generation is far more active and dynamic in the way that they learn and are hence leading the way from all other previous generations in making technology fit their needs. Their demand for a personal learning device when combined with the recent mobile broadband revolution means that the ability to learn anytime and anywhere will become a part of their everyday life.

It seems obvious therefore that this increased enthusiasm; motivation, confidence and a sense of ownership could provide the base from which we can improve learning outcomes. SANAKO understand how technology can deliver learning in a more engaging way and more importantly how technology has the potential to impact on classroom organisation and teaching style.

SANAKO recognise that the implications for teaching from the widespread use of hand-held devices is significant and needs careful implementation. However, the positive impact potential is huge and the use of hand-held devices in the pursuit of wider learning objectives is a cause worthy of consideration.


The main reasons for performance improvements could be argued to be;

· Student ‘ownership’ of hand-held devices opens up the possibility to extend the use of ICT learning to beyond the classroom. The ability for students to CHOOSE TO LEARN out of school say at home or in the field allows them to feel empowered, motivated and responsible for their own learning.

· Increased parental involvement and support as the device becomes more like a digital pencil case and/or planner that moves from school to home in a seamless manner. Any work undertaken at school can therefore be reinforced at home.

· Inclusivity to disadvantaged pupils can be achieved where pupils would otherwise have no access to ICT at home.

· A decreased dependency on the ICT suites within the school means that ICT based learning is no longer tied to the availability of limited resources.