January 2005 — Exclusive
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Life With a Handheld Computer: Confessions of a School Administrator
Just in Time
My Palm didn’t include a clock with a second hand or stopwatch capabilities, so when it came time for a fire drill I realized I needed new software. After a quick Internet search, I found an application called EZ-Clock that included a stopwatch, a timer and a clock with a second hand. I have found many other situations where I use the program — from timing playground races to letting students watch the countdown for time-out situations.
Not Done Yet
There are other features I use less often such as its thesaurus and games. I also have not yet started surfing the Web with my Palm, and I would not be surprised if my next handheld includes a movie camera and serves as a cell phone with a built-in GPS.
One thing is certain though, since my handheld has become part of my daily routine at work and away, I am more efficient and innovative. This has not come without effort on my part, but the payback has been significant. While handheld technology will continue to mature and evolve, it is clearly at the point where a modern administrator should give it a serious look.
Reference
Tufte, E. 2003. The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint. Cheshire, CT: Graphics Press.
About the Author
Douglas W. Green is the principal of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Binghamton, N.Y. He earned his doctorate in educational theory and practice from Binghamton University and also has degrees in administration, science teaching and chemistry. Green has taught computer programming and was Binghamton’s first Director of Computer Services in 1982. He was a contributing editor for InfoWorld and has published more than 300 articles in a variety of journals on educational and computer-related topics. E-mail: GreenD@bcsdgw.stier.org
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