General description

General Description:
This page might best be reserved for ideas about the overall device, with more detailed observations about specifics like size,etc., added to theirss own pages.

A handheld computer for dyslexic learners.
This is a handheld for individual, dyslexic users. It needs:
 * all the tools that have proven their effectiveness on PCs and laptops, such as:


 * Text to speech software
 * Phonetic spell checkers
 * Speech recognition
 * Mind mapping software. (Main source: http://www.dyslexic.com/overview.)


 * To provide fun. So it should have:
 * Interesting and entertaining content:
 * Games:
 * Specialized learning games:
 * for dyslexics i.e. Nessy,
 * for all learners.
 * Plain fun games.
 * books
 * videos
 * music


 * It needs to be very, very easy to use.
 * It needs to have very easy, if not 'always on' access to the internet. Maybe more access for older age versions, and less for younger. Maybe initially can only access a set of pre-programmed sites, and then needs parent to access other sites? Pre-programmed sites would include wikipedia, and other clearly important sites; also a 'home' site for device owners, where other sites could be accessed.
 * Filters against pornography will be pre-installed.


 * It needs a camera
 * pictures can be taken of blackboards, etc, important materials that user doesn't manage to copy otherwise.

A handheld designed for general use in school.
Here's a wishlist compiled in Oct. 2005. It's from:Handheld learning Forum. It is a resume of ideas that UK educators interested in the use of handhelds in school, came up with.


 * Handhelds in schools can be seen as a “collaboration and accountability” tool, for the student’s use, but which teachers and parents can also use, to communicate to each other about the student’s work. (Each student has his own handheld)


 * The minimum (and directly classroom-related) abilities of the handheld, need to include:
 * to upload and download assignments, and
 * to project a students’ work.


 * Other capabilities that have proven useful in the classroom, and which appeal to the students are:
 * Peer to peer communicating;
 * MMS, IMS; VOIP;
 * MP3;
 * video messaging,
 * rich media playback,
 * high quality gaming.


 * Important design factors that seem necessary are:
 * Good resolution, with the largest possible screen.
 * USB interfaces,
 * WiFi, Bluetooth, and any other necessary bandwiths so that the device is always connected to the web.
 * 12 hour battery life (minimum).
 * Comes on immediately, no need to boot up.
 * Durability
 * Reliability
 * Easy to use
 * Reasonable cost; up to $400.


 * Possibly desirable would be (if technological advances make them possible):
 * Internal hard drive (but maybe not)
 * Voice recognition. (probably a must for dyslexics)
 * Fuel cells

Issues of most importance seem to be
 * size - not too big, but not too small.
 * weight - less is best.
 * simple OS, not too much stuff that is unneeded.
 * standard USB charger
 * Heat generated and batteries are big problems.

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