I recently talked at the Handheld Learning conference in London. My presentation was called 'Towards the perfect device' and in it I announced the introduction of our new small computer - the RM Asus miniBook.
The miniBook is headline grabbing for a number of reasons. We have worked with our partners Asus to get a great price for schools - £169. It is also small and extremely light - it weighs less than 1kg. But apart from the price and the size and the weight - why do I think this type of technology has the power to change how we use ICT in the classroom?
For a start, I believe that devices like this will make 1:1 computing a reality. That will make learning platforms the transformational opportunity they have always promised to be and in the process make learning truly personalised.
Things are changing
At the moment there are around 1.6m computer devices used in schools in the UK. Most of these are traditional communal devices where a 1:5 pupil to computer ratio is considered a good thing. But I think that is about to change.
There are many catalysts for this change. And there are many bodies and agencies encouraging the uptake of mobile and handheld learning devices. Becta, Partnerships for Schools, DfCSF, QCA and many others, are piloting schemes and advocating policy which will maximise the use of portable devices.
Encouraging results from some pilot programmes
In Durham, for example, there is a groundbreaking project looking at the use of PDAs and EDAs in school and at home. There, the results are showing an improvement in pupils' attitudes to learning both in and out of the classroom and have also engaged parents more with their children's learning. OFSTED has praised the way in which teachers in the project are harnessing the technology to drive school improvement.
In Newham where we have been working with the LA, all students in a year group have a mobile computer and there has been a 4% increase in exam results in year one and a 3 % increase in year two of the project. In Leeds we are working with ConnectED and the University of Ulster to deliver a teacher focused CPD programme in multimedia skills. The teachers will gain the confidence and expertise to create and capture their lessons and then publish them in order for their pupils to receive them as podcasts on their PSPs.
Why am I telling you this and why are we doing it?
As you can see there are many drivers for change and the handheld landscape is an exciting one for education.
I see a space somewhere between the mobile phone and the Desktop PC where these devices will sit. They probably won't replace the desktop or the laptop, but they will play an important role in education.
That is why I am so delighted to launch the RM Asus miniBook. It is an affordable device that meets all the communication needs of a learner. It makes 1:1 computing possible and is a large step in the right direction of redressing the digital divide. It will make learning personalised and it will make access to a learning platform, anytime anywhere, a reality.
