Basics

A computer in every hand: With handheld computers, every child can have a computer. They are the right price, the right size, and the right idea at the right time. Leaving no child behind means achieving digital equity. Recent studies report that although there are more desktop computers in schools than ever before, children aren't using them much. There aren't enough, they aren't where and when students need them and they aren't personal. With the handheld computers, each student can have a personal computer anytime and anywhere.

Why do handhelds make sense in education? There are many answers to this, but in simplest terms, compare the desktop computer to the handheld.

The challenges of the desktop computer become the benefits of the handheld computer:

• Cost -- The handheld computer costs as little as a pair of tennis shoes.

• Size -- The handheld fits in the palm of the hand.

• Equity -- Every student could have access to a handheld at anytime, anywhere.

• Simplicity -- Handheld are as simple to use as a gameboy.

The Basics site will provide you with links to sites related to:

• Support for handhelds in education

• Which handheld to purchase

• How to operate the handheld

• Troubleshooting information