Using Text

writing using a stylus PDAs and Smartphones offer the opportunity to use text-based activities for reading or for capturing text.This can be used for learning in a number of ways including:

Read for reference or pleasure a selection of e-books, key texts and handouts relating to course.
Privately refer to key materials such as dictionaries, thesaurus where paper versions are not easily available. Online reference materials can be accessed if connection is available.
Work in pairs to use translators and phrase books for help in modern foreign language or ESOL classes.
Use sequential skills in referring to databases when off site eg to refer to a wild birds database or foodstuff within a supermarket.
Follow instructions to create an object – eg e-instructions are cleaner than paper in a cooking environment.
Learners can practice note taking skills and compare results immediately
A swift record can be made of a learning activity even if it is ‘off site’
Learners can contribute to a collaborative document by passing a device round a group an inviting each group member to add a section.
Learners can immediately create a blog entry or another e-portfolio contribution at a key point in the course even if there is no PC available.
Use of the handwriting recognition tool can offer a motivating way for learners to test the clarity of their handwriting.

A PDA can therefore be used to provide 'anywhere' access to dictionaries, thesaurus, phrase books, encyclopaedias and e-books.

ebook front cover and inside An e-book can give you lots more than a paper book. Text can be highlighted, word searches can be carried out, the built-in dictionary and thesaurus can define words, bookmarks can be placed anywhere within an e-book and notes can be added for later reference. An e-book can also be transferred to another device so a document or e-book can be shared amongst learners that can encourage peer critique. A further advantage of an e-book is that the text size can be increased for easier reading for learners with visual difficulties and therefore offering a more inclusive experience in and out of the class environment.

Learners using Pocket PC devices can become the creators of e-books by producing a Word document and converting it using Microsoft Reader software. This type of creation can be achieved individually or collaboratively using appropriate text, images, sounds and video clips that can bring an e-book alive and become meaningful.

You will need to check the device to see whether reading software has been already added or whether you’ll need to download the Reader first. For example Pocket PC users need to look for Microsoft Reader software and Palm users need E-Reader for Palm.

Curl up with a good e-book. Search the Ebookopolis Academic BookShop and find 1 book that relates to your teaching subject.

Capturing text

Mobile devices allow users to enter text in either handwritten or typewritten format.

Handwrite notes
Handwrite then convert handwriting to typed text.
Enter typed text using onscreen keyboard or attached keyboard.

Apart from capturing text into word processing or spreadsheet software a learner can write into a Note Pad using handwriting or typed text method. This allows, for example, learners to write a personal reflective diary entry immediately and to store the document directly onto a Flash memory card for safekeeping. Alternatively the diary entry or blog entry can be uploaded directly to the web if connection to the Internet is available.

The portability of handheld devices offers the learner the opportunity to write privately and alone. On the other hand the device can be used during a tutorial to capture confidential notes away from the learning group.

Try writing something onto your PDA screen and see how well it recognises your hand writing. A certain hand movement is needed to form the letters and words to ensure successful recognition. Practice is often required and left-handed users might find the required movement a greater difficulty.

Many tutors indicate the value of using the handwriting recognition tool to practise handwriting although don’t encourage the conversion to typed text to avoid disappointments.

In Practice

'The handwriting practice on a PDA is really good for motor neurone skills - thinking about what their hands are doing. It's a kind of BrainGym.' Family Learning tutor

A PDA can be used as a recording tool to log what members of a family eat. A spreadsheet can capture 'Adventures in Food' - a log of the food, drink, and exercise for each person. A great way to encourage 'poor eaters' of the family.

open keyboard A few Smartphones have touch screen facility so you can use a stylus to handwrite notes. All phones however do allow the use of the phone keyboard to input text. If you need to type a quantity of text you might find the little onscreen keyboard or phone keyboard tiring to use, so a separate keyboard is useful to buy. Some keyboards can be purchased that fold or roll up easily, some can communicate with the device remotely and others offer a cradle to slot your device into.

If you're a Palm user learn the Graffiti 2 alphabet and try the practice sheet at Learning in Hand.

sony ereader The Sony Reader is a handheld device that provides a 6” screen, a hard drive memory to store approximately 80 e-books and shows a realistic paper background, page turning movements on screen and a ‘thumb’ indicator to follow the text. It can also play audio files including audio books.

Mobile Technology - the handheld choice

Using Text

Capturing text

In Practice

Quicklinks

In Practice

Using Sound

Using Images

Using SMS (Text)

Using MMS (Images)

Using Planning Tools

Quizzes and Interactive activities

Out and About

Getting Connected

Other sections

Choose the Right Device

Technical Tips

FAQs for Organisations

Making it Accessible

The Future

Glossary