They carry data about every student's schedule. In addition, I use a handheld device in the course of my workday. Several members of my administrative team use them as well. We are finding them to be very useful and supportive of higher productivity. Inc. Northstar has several computers and encourages students and families to make use of technology.
Students have e-mail accounts and electronic assignment folders on the school network.
The students were allowed to keep the devices and take them home. Through Palm's infrared beaming technology, they were able to access their electronic assignment folders and share data with other students using the Palm Pilots. The school is no longer participating in the project. We learned a lot, but there is a lot more to examine in the area of student use of handheld computers. The biggest drawback to more widespread educational use of handheld devices, experts agree, is the lack of appropriate software.