AlphaSmart

AlphaSmart: 

AlphaSmart Created by Kate Todd for Children with Disabilities in the Library

Brief history: 

Brief history In 1993 AlphaSmart was introduced as an alternative to high cost computers Then, you could get 30 AlphaSmarts for the price of one computer With new features, AlphaSmarts became more expensive while computers were cheaper

What is an AlphaSmart?: 

What is an AlphaSmart? A keyboard, whose main purpose is word processing

Some good things about AlphaSmart: 

Some good things about AlphaSmart Portable: use outdoors or at Starbucks Durable: can even be dropped Long battery life: 700 hours on AA batteries No Internet or other distractions

Uses for the AlphaSmart: 

Uses for the AlphaSmart Writing assignments Keyboarding skills Student notetaking Text to speech

AlphaSmart in the classroom: 

AlphaSmart in the classroom In one class, AlphaSmarts were kept on shelves around the room When students were writing, they could choose a computer, an AlphaSmart or pencil and paper There was no stigma attached to choosing an AlphaSmart for writing

AlphaSmart and parents: 

AlphaSmart and parents When students are classified with a disability, the school district may provide assistive technology Some parents want the child to have a laptop computer since they feel it has great value Parents view an AlphaSmart as a less desirable alternative

AlphaSmart and students: 

AlphaSmart and students I knew one student, eligible for assistive technology, who chose an AlphaSmart over a laptop I asked him why He said, “When I use a computer, I spend so much time choosing a font that I never get to finish my homework”

AlphaSmart in public libraries: 

AlphaSmart in public libraries In 1997, Richard Wanderman suggested circulating AlphaSmarts in public libraries but librarians were not convinced In 2001, North Bend (OR) Public Library reported circulating AlphaSmarts inside and outside their libraries In 2004, Hartford (CT) Public Library received LSTA funds to purchase AlphaSmarts for their ESOL classes

AlphaSmart and Renaissance Learning: 

AlphaSmart and Renaissance Learning In 2005, AlphaSmart, Inc. merged with Renaissance Learning We know them as the distributors for Accelerated Reader They now highlight the product names Neo2 and Dana

Is there a future for AlphaSmart?: 

Is there a future for AlphaSmart? Unfortunately, I believe the use of AlphaSmarts is declining Recently, it was highlighted on a retro technology web site But schools may still have them and they are valuable for students who are easily distracted