On The Go: What Consumer Products Can Do For You (If You Know Where to Look!)

By: National Center for Technology Innovation and Center for Implementing Technology in Education (2006)

Before you pick up your wallet to go shopping for a new technology, look in your backpack to see what consumer electronics you already own. These common products may already have built-in assistive technologies—you just need to know where to look.

As desktop-based computer technology continues to play an important role in the education of students with disabilities, consumer electronics emerge with the potential to change the way in which students, parents, and teachers think about mobile learning tools. Everyday cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and hand-held MP3 players have the capacity to act as assistive technologies.

Because more and more students are adept with the standard technologies in cellular phones, PDAs, and iPods, educators have begun incorporating these technologies into the classroom. Research in the field has shown that “electronic and information technology can be used by students with disabilities [to] contribute to their independence, productivity, and participation in academics and careers.”¹ With the new National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) , more materials will be made available in digital format, increasing accessibility.² A national task force of disability scholars and advocates has envisioned increased independence for persons with disabilities through technology; the more portable the device, the greater the range of environments in which they will be able to learn and participate.³

In addition to the increase of accessibility through mobile technology, the incorporation of AT-like applications in everyday consumer electronics leads to greater access and options for users. Some mobile technologies duplicate applications available on desktops and laptops, while others capitalize on the unique attributes of handheld devices. “While there are many interesting technical opportunities associated with handheld devices, the use of technology in education settings must be based upon pedagogical considerations. The challenge…is to create solutions that are educationally appropriate, not technologically complex.”⁴ Here are some ideas.

PDAs and Smartphones

Students are even getting involved in the question of PDAs and increased academic achievement. One New Jersey high school student who researched this topic now designs and develops math tutoring-software for handhelds for his peers. “ Under catchy titles such as ‘Algebra at the Mall’ or ‘Addition at the Movies,’ [these programs present] problems and…guide students to correct answers, right on their pocket PCs.”⁵ PDAs and smartphones ( any electronic handheld device that integrates the functionality of a mobile phone, PDA or other information appliance) can serve purposes beyond that of a calendar and address manager. Computers on handhelds are capable of running thousands of programs, including educational tools for students with disabilities (see Palm’s Quick Guides below). Students may use PDAs and smartphones to set a reminder to take a medication, record lectures, store lesson notes and assignments by beaming documents, look up the spelling of a word in a mobile dictionary, or communicate messages from a teacher to a parent.⁶

Cellular Phones

Although cellular phones are not allowed in some schools, these everyday electronics offer significant potential to aid users with visual and audio reminders, predictive word software for spelling assistance, and voice recognition software for calling commands as well as text message dictation (see VoiceSignal below). A new, free download from Google can turn a mobile phone into a global positioning system (GPS) tool—helping students navigate neighborhoods, build confidence in navigational skills, and enhance independence.

iPods

Teachers across the U.S. are incorporating mobile music players, such as the iconic iPods, into the classroom to present students with the opportunities to podcast and direct their own daily radio shows, interview family members, learn phonics, and record assignments.⁷ iPods also transform into assistive technologies through a built-in compatibility with audio books, study guides, and GPS maps. More information on these options is available below.

Keep in mind that there is a growing convergence of these devices and applications: Smartphones are becoming more akin to PDAs with such added functionalities as Internet access, video, and a variety of application programs. Similarly, PDAs are becoming more like telephones with dialing and Bluetooth capabilities. Before you buy another device, check to see if there are applications compatible with any consumer electronics you may already have at home.

More Information

PDAs and Smartphones

• Merriam-Webster's Dictionaries are available for the several platforms of PDAs and different kinds of smartphones.
• Palm's Quick Guides provide an introduction to an educationally relevant topic in math, science, music, social studies and a sampling of available hardware, software and accessories. Palm also offers a list of compatible programs for students with special needs
• Avant Go synchronizes mobile versions of websites to smartphones and PDAs. This free service offers thousands of channels in news, weather, language development, and travel.

Cell Phones

• Combining directions, maps, and satellite imagery, Google Maps is a free download that finds local hangouts and businesses across town or the country from any cell phone.
• VoiceSignal develops speech solutions for wireless mobile devices. Applications are designed to address the ease-of-use problem that confronts the mobile user as mobile handsets and keypads become smaller and more complex.

iPods

• iTunes and Audible.com Audio books, magazines, and news casts for mp3 players.
• iPod's notes feature and its high fidelity audio transform the hand-held music player into a learning platform. iPREPpress offers various downloads for iPods such as study guides, foreign language lessons, test prep, sports stats, game rules, reference and travel aids as well as a Merriam-Webster dictionary.

*To find how-to information on consumer electronics, consult the user manual or look up the product online. CNET provides detailed information as well as web site links for many popular products.