Since reading a posting on the NLDLine bulletin board on the use of Palm Pilots by students with learning disabilities, I have been doing some research into handheld computers. The one I have been considering is the Springboard Visor. I hadn’t been aware of their capabilites previously, but theVisor looks like it could be a wonderful tool for LD students, particularly with some of the add-ons such as word processing software, a compact keyboard and voice recorder. You can “sync” your Visor hand-held with your home PC, so that students could, for example, edit and store their notes on their PC, and then print them.
My son who has Nonverbal Learning Disability is starting grade 9 in the fall. I am looking for ways to help him be more successful in school. A hand-held with a keyboard seems like it could be a great way for him to take notes, so he wouldn’t have to rely on difficult-to-read hand-written notes. As well, the organizer software and the voice recorder look like they could be really helpful organizing tools in and out of school. My son will be walking to school, and a hand-held computer would definitely be a lot more portable and easier to use than a lap-top
Has anyone had any experiences or comments about with the use of hand-held computers by LD students that they would like to share? The technology seems fairly new, and at first glance, wonderful. However I would hate to purchase one if they are really not all that great. Thank-you.
Re: Handheld computers
Hi,
I actually tutor a number of students with a range of Learning Disabilities. One of them has a Handspring Visor and folding keyboard that she is currently using in school. She does all of her word processing on it, mantains her assignment notebook and uses the calculator. She loves it and it has created very little distraction in the classroom.
I actually made a presentation to the school to try to get more of them into the special education department. They are, as you say, economical and easy to transport.
I would highly recomend one, but make sure you and your son know how to use it, otherwise it will make a handy paper weight.
C
Re: Handheld computers
Hi,
I actually tutor a number of students with a range of Learning Disabilities. One of them has a Handspring Visor and folding keyboard that she is currently using in school. She does all of her word processing on it, mantains her assignment notebook and uses the calculator. She loves it and it has created very little distraction in the classroom.
I actually made a presentation to the school to try to get more of them into the special education department. They are, as you say, economical and easy to transport.
I would highly recomend one, but make sure you and your son know how to use it, otherwise it will make a handy paper weight.
C.
Re: Handheld computers
Hi,
I actually tutor a number of students with a range of Learning Disabilities. One of them has a Handspring Visor and folding keyboard that she is currently using in school. She does all of her word processing on it, mantains her assignment notebook and uses the calculator. She loves it and it has created very little distraction in the classroom.
I actually made a presentation to the school to try to get more of them into the special education department. They are, as you say, economical and easy to transport.
I would highly recomend one, but make sure you and your son know how to use it, otherwise it will make a handy paper weight.
C
I unfortunately do not have an opinion on handheld computers. But I am interested in speaking with someone with a child with nld. I have logged onto the nldline.com website and learned a great deal. But my son’s school, though very supportive, does not know how to remediate nld. Are you having your son tutored at home or in an afterschool program? Do you have any ideas as to how to find one which specializes in nld? Thanks and good luck! Bonnie