*screen -it is easily readable for the children, however at times (depending on project or program) the need of increase scrolling -due to screen size was a distraction at times but is part of regular computer use anyways

*battery- how long does it last on a charge for back to back classroom use, but also I guess in “battery life” -for cost of replacement after if isn’t rechargable (for the future)

I think would be a helpful tool large group or small group instruction.
*durability -how will the laptops hold up (being possibly dropped)

1-I find it much more portable than the regular size laptops, both for teachers and for students, especially younger students.

2-I think the size of the keyboard and screen are important factors to consider. Although the keyboard seems a fairly standard size, my perspective is that students are very adaptable and would readily have the incentive and interest to adjust. No matter what direction we go, students will need to get used to whatever hardware is used and I think they will be flexible with these issues. Also, with more families having PC’s, etc…at home, students are becoming more exposed to technology hardware at earlier ages.

3-In regards to an eReader/netbook debate, I think netbooks are definitely the way to go due to their versatility and the multiple use opportunities they present.

With regard to the readability of netbooks, if we decide that we need to increase font size on the screen for the younger students, will we be satisfied with the resulting display? Will the need for additional scrolling cause difficulty for or be a distraction to the students?

The smaller laptops or netbooks are lighter to carry which makes them much more portable. We should consider how much of an advantage this is.

We are considering the use of smaller computers by our youngest students. If we decide that they are a good idea, wouldn’t they be good for our older students too?

1) Is the keyboard easily manipulated by small hands?

2) Is the screen easily readable for young children?

3) Can the youngest students independently boot the laptop as well as shut it down at the end of a session?

4) Does the device have a good, solid battery charge? Were we able to work with it with back-to-back classes without the frustration of having to move the child to a desktop because the battery quickly lost it’s charge?

5) Is the laptop/netbook easy for young children to grip, and is it solidly constructed to hold up under normal “wear and tear” of multiple students?

Don’t get me wrong, I realize it’s not as simple as walking into a Best Buy and price comparing based on functionality. Any implementation takes serious thought, collaboration and support from the entire school community. But given that we want our students to be creative and innovative thinkers… we need to think more critically about the devices we put in their hands and what we (and they) expect to be able to do with them.

Just sayin’.