[From Brad Skeet
Calgary, Alberta, Canada] Hi Sammy! I have been a long time user of both Palm OS and Windows
Mobile devices. Because these two systems have been around for so
long, I have been able to collect a variety of software that makes my
phone an extremely handy toolkit in the daily life of a teacher.
Calendar is where I do my day planning. I use Intellisync to
synchronize it with with my Groupwise calendar and e-mail. I also use
the Tasks section to make a checklist for each subject area. I can
filter the checklist and be able to view a specific subject at a time.
Using Pocket Informant I am able to convert a task to an appointment
and, thus, I am easily able to build my daily planbook.
I use Pocket EGP (Easygrade Pro) on my device for collecting assessment
data about my students. This program rocks on the Windows Mobile
platform as there is no synchronization needed. I simply e-mail the
data file to myself and then can open it up on my Mac to either print,
e-mail, or post progress reports.
I also like to build a portfolio of student work. I use OneNote Mobile
on the device to do this. Using the Omnia's built in camera I can
shoot 5MP photographs of their work. I insert that into a OneNote
note, along with a voice note about what I'm observing, to begin
building a progress portfolio. I synchronize the device with OneNote
on the PC and have evidence to show parents during interview time.
Student responses during our conferences are also recorded and can be
inserted into the OneNote portfolio so that I can review it later when
assembling assessment data.
I also store a variety of short teaching videos and animations on the
device. Using the video cable that comes with the Omnia, I am able to
hook it up to my SmartBoard to show the class. If I find a student is
struggling, I quickly e-mail the video to the student and his/her
parents so that they may review the concept in the evening. I also
have a variety of PDF and Word documents that I can also e-mail at any
time.
My Omnia also gives me the opportunity to relax after a hard day of
school with music and an ebook. The large 3.2 inch touch screen is
perfect for flipping through my ebook library. The 8GB (!) of flash
space built into the the device is perfect for storing a variety of
movies and my music library, along with my podcast catalogue.
My Omnia is a true teacher's toolbox! I'm not sure what I would do without it.
