Authoring

“I want to be able to make my own stuff”

What can I do with my device?
So what are learners, their teachers and families doing with these PDA’s? The mobile device has become like a 21st Century Hi tech pencil case!  The use to which the device has been put seems to fall into Four categories :-

• Authoring
• Harvesting Digital Data
• Digital Content
• Managing and integrating into other ICT infrastructure

Authoring
In terms of authoring on a Windows Mobile device, the device comes as standard with pocket word and excel, also an important addition has been “Pocket Slides” which gives learners “Full” powerpoint functionality in the palm of their hands. Another suite of authoring tools which has been especially popular with learners has been the Go Know suite of software comprising of Sketchy (An Animation Package), Pico map (A mind Mapping Package) and HLE project which enables authored work to be dynamically linked on screen via a visual concept mapping tool. The ability to use sound recorder to record ideas and thoughts has been particularly important from the learner view as it allows those learners who prefer an Auditory learning style to choose this method of sharing thoughts.

		Sketchy A superb “Flickbook” animation tool, which learners enjoy using to illustrate their understanding of science concepts and other ideas. Available from Handheldlearning.co.uk
		Pico Map An easy to use Mindmapping tool, which enables users to create nodes and links to map out their thinking in a graphical format Available from Handheldlearning.co.uk
		HLE Project An absolute killer application which allows the learner to bring together all of their assets on their PDA into a fully dynamic  linked project map. Available from Handheldlearning.co.uk
		Pocket Slides Another Killer application which gives almost full powerpoint authoring capability on a handheld computer. Available from www.conduits.com