Internet Connection

Wireless networks and 3G networks currently give us potential fast data access wherever we are. Speeds are increasing so that in the near future 4G and WiMax will be available and the device will use whichever connection is available and switch between them while you’re on the move, therefore keeping you connected at all times.

However, more likely, the choice and method of connection depends on your device and its functionality.  Many PDAs don’t easily connect to the Internet. When you have managed to connect the connection speed can be slow, the web pages difficult to see without copious scrolling and images might not be visible. Some websites now indicate whether a PDA/mobile equivalent website is available and Google can help you easily search for PDA appropriate sites.

The easiest way to connect your PDA to the Internet is to connect it to another device first – whether by WiFi connection or via GPRS on a Smartphone or other device. 

WIFI HOTSPOT: Use WIFI (802.11) technology to connect to a public-access network. You can often find free WIFI ‘hotspots’ in towns and city centres. Hotels and conference centres offer free or PayasyouGo options. You can setup a PDA to a wireless network in a house by using a CompactFlash Type II 802.11b Network GPRSvodaphone cardInterface Card. 

3G/GPRS. A 3G modem card e.g. Vodaphone 3G Mobile Connect Data card uses 3G/GPRS technology to connect to the Internet. Contract and PayasYouGo options are available.

VPN CONNECTION: To connect to your organisation’s network a Virtual Private Network connection has to be installed on your PDA. The modem needs to be setup with appropriate security settings to ‘dial’ into the organisation’s network.

avantgo Use software eg AvantGo to download selected web pages during synchronisation for offline reading. Plucker is available for Palm devices

In Practice

"Once we had selected the model of PDA, we had to decide how we would pay for accessing to the Internet.  We decided against taking a contract for each PDA as there may be occasions, such as holiday periods, when the PDAs may not be used regularly and as contracts are expensive.   We therefore decided  'pay as you go ' cards to be the best option.   The cards work the same way as 'pay as you go' cards for a mobile phone - it is possible to top up the phone cards as the credit runs low. Tutors were shown how to access the 'check credit' facility on the PDA and would contact me to top up the card when necessary.  The only downside to using cards is that it is necessary to access the internet or make a phone call at least once during three months, otherwise the credit is lost.   We chose Vodafone purely because there is a shop very close to where I work, thus making it easy to go along and topup.  Currently Vodafone charges around 50p for five minutes for access to the Internet and 12p per text message.” Sue Reed, ILT Support Officer, Buckinghamshire Adult Learning

tipTo avoid having to set up email connection on a PDA, try a web-based Yahoo or Hotmail account as these are mobile appropriate.

 

For a wide range of technical advice and information see BECTA’s Technical Paper entitled Mobile Internet Connectivity

tryTry www.google.com/mobile and search for PDA and mobile appropriate web sites. Alternatively go to the BBC mobile homepage and find the latest news and weather.

How can I use the Internet on a handheld device for teaching and learning?

Quicklinks

Technical Tips

Other sections

In Practice

Examples and ideas showing practical ways to use the different devices in the classroom and out and about

Choose the Right Device

What to look for when buying the devices, reviews and suggestions

FAQs for Organisations

Issues and questions that organisations experience

Making it Accessible

Ways to use the technology accessibly

The Future

The changing world of handheld devices

Glossary

An a-z glossary of mobile technology terms