Handheld Devices

Handheld Devices Blog #2

I just received a $10,000 budget for which I am to purchase handheld devices for the library.  I have decided to purchase netbooks and PC, android based device tablets. 

This decision is based on the current need and advancement of the technological skills of the students that frequent the library.  The main purpose of the purchase of these items is for the students, but staff and faculty can use them as well, when needed.  They are to be used in any area necessary related to education.  Any leftover money will go to purchase necessary additional software and such to make these handheld devices useful in our library.

The netbooks will especially be useful for the physically handicapped students that frequent the library.  They are so much easier to manipulate than the desktop computers.  I can get a good rate on netbooks (without the unnecessary software preloaded) for $200/each.  I will buy about 25 of them.  Our school district technology department can then load the software that we use on them for a nominal price.  These netbooks are much easier to use for my students that have limited mobility (in wheel chairs, etc.) and cannot reach the standard desktop computers easily.  There are many variable uses for these netbooks.  Mainly, they are used as any regular computer would be used except they are much smaller and portable.  If these mobility challenged students are not in the library and another student needs to use the netbook b/c there are not enough computers available in the library, they can also use them.  I will always keep a few in the library available for the physically challenged students, but can make several available to classrooms that need to check them out for a project, as well. 

Besides the netbooks, I also want to purchase the tablets as well.  I can get them for about $450 each.  I will buy about 8 of them.  They are useful for the visually impaired and physically immobile students (b/c of the ease of use touch interface) as well as regular students.  The student can use ebooks, partake in internet research much easier, and many other things they are asked to do in any given class.  They are lightweight, mobile, and have an easy to read format.  All of these features make the tablet a viable option for general education and special education students.  It is a very good option for those not tech savvy who need to use the internet.