The use of palmtop computers for learning: a review of the literature

The use of palmtop, or handheld computers, is rapidly increasing in the developed world. Nowadays they often run compact editions of the main office applications, have a variety of data input devices, and are able to link into wireless networks. Continued miniaturisation of the hardware is taking place, as is increasing computing performance, and this rapid pace of advancement is predicted to continue. It is, therefore, reasonable to expect that educators might now, or in the near future, consider using palmtop computers with their students, and examine the impact that such use has on their learning when compared with the traditional, and more expensive, desktop or laptop machines. This appears especially important when the learners involved are young adults, most of whom are comfortable and enthusiastic users of mobile phones— which are increasingly incorporating many of the functions associated with palmtop computers.