Pocket PC Kids

[Jason Dunn]

<a href="http://www.pocketpckids.com/">http://www.pocketpckids.com/</a><br /><br />They're making Pocket PC fans younger and younger nowadays. :D I wish Pocket PCs were around when I was younger. I would have had something to do in class. :wink: <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/dunn2002/dk1.jpg" />

[Sheynk]

Yes, but do they (we) utilize all the power?

For example, I am a highschool student and use my pocket pc for: PIM and assignment managment, media (audio/video) :D , Mazingo (2nd most important feature for me), Remote (not really but its fun to use sometimes), PPTs, pdfs (like class notes that I got from the schools web page), and an ocasional (very) game.
It is obvious that I dont put it all on the same day but this is just about everything I use.
I dont, on the other hand, use the networking cabability, no camera, no actual need to schedule important appointments, no gprs, and no wifi and blue tooth.

I consider to be a semi power user with an inclanation to moderate. To be honest with you, there is no way I would have an exuse to have this before highschool.

[yawanag]

Perhaps this would have come across to me better if the "Pocket PC Kid" didn't look like "Mr. Cool."

It would have been more impressive, in my opinion, if he was holding up a screen showing he could do trigonomety.

Kids today have enough high-priced toys already. Isn't there anything they have to grow up first, get a job for, these days before thay can have it?

[daninnj]

Well, I had a Pocket PC since I was 13...which was a year ago. I used it in school many times in 8th grade. Now in 9th grade, I don't use it as much.

People in middle school called me "the spoiled kid". I told them that I bought my two Pocket PCs with my own money. So, they called me "The rich kid". Funny thing is that I'm not real rich...:roll:

DanInNJ

[yawanag]

People in middle school called me "the spoiled kid". I told them that I bought my two Pocket PCs with my own money. So, they called me "The rich kid". Funny thing is that I'm not real rich...


Yes, you are because someone taught you the value of "working and saving" for what you want.

[MooseMaster]

It's not necessarily that you're rich, it's that they are all poor.

But I agree. This would be much more effective if it was an normal kid showing off that he can do his class work on his PocketPC.

***Edited by Moderator for niceness***

[Will T Smith]

I think kids & high tech are potentially a great combination for education. Personally, I would love to put some of these combo Tablet PCs in kids hands as an ultimate resource center. The hell with all those books, etc...

Handheld computers can be great resource for students and teachers alike. Organization, communication, reference, record collection (attendance, grading, etc...) drilling (hand-held learning games), automated testing, etc...

The big problem I see is that it has to be all-or-nothing.

Problems:

1) Abuse of personal tecnologies. i.e. students cheating by passing RF-notes. Crib notes etc... *
Devices would have to be effectively "locked down" so that only standardized applications are available. Also necessary so kids don't blow up all their work.

2) Problems associated with Kid A having a technological edge over kid B.

3) Kids getting beat up for their tech toys. i.e. if everyone has one, there is no need to steal them.

4) Rapid amortization of high-technology. Basically, such a fleet would have to operate in "lease" mode with updates every 2 years to stay compatible with future technology upgrades. An alternative is to deploy at 8-12, then propogate devices downward every year.

5) Hardware before software, catch-22. Such an initiative MUST be derived from a software layer FIRST.
Technological deployment in our schools has largely been (in my opinion) a waste of waste of money. School corporations buy hardware under the promise of future software applications. It's never improved the quality of education. It's only increased the cost.**
Such an initiative must be an end-to-end school package from a service oriented company. That company would then train teachers (who in turn would train students) and effectively leased the equipment and service in one package. Easy management. Educators focuse on education.


* Note however, that I think that memorization and education are NOT the same thing. Rain-Man can memorize ANYTHING but you wouldn't hire him, would you. Education should stress critical thought and lateral thinking.

** Before you get critical. Let me point out that I'm a bit of a pioneer. I was in 5th grade in 83. At that time I was being called down to the office to help the principal with their Apple computers. My father integrated computers into his middle school math very early. If you've ever played "Math Power", that was his creation (I composed the music on a very primitive text based sound editor:-)).

[Paragon]

I have to tell you guys I know this "kid" He will blow away most people here with his knowledge of Pocket PC's. He's a decent kid who is taking time out of his life to put up a site for kids. In the same way that Jason take time out of his life to put up a site fore us to use.

I think before people start criticizing this "kid" for having his own site they should give this a bit more thought. Imagine being being 10-12 years old and seeing people bash you online for doing something like this. I also know that his parents gave this matter some very careful consideration before going ahead with it. I don't how he is at "trig" but I can tell you his maths skills are not lacking.

Come on guys who's the adults here.

Dave

[daninnj]

Yes, you are because someone taught you the value of "working and saving" for what you want.

True, but tell that to my parents to whom I owe $600 for my new PC.

I use my PPC for classwork and notes in school. Rarely I use it for games in the classroom...

How old is that kid in the picture anyway? Nine? I'm not bashing him...He just looks very young.

DanInNJ