Some of the primary advantages of using handheld technology in the classroom include:

• facilitating problem-solving, exploration and concept development

• improving pattern recognition and data analysis skills

• engaging students and keeping them excited about learning

• complementing and reinforcing fundamental skills

• handhelds are readily available

• handhelds offer many of the features of laptop and PC labs without the high cost

• offering technology integration across the curriculum

• integrated, efficient, fundamental applications

• easy-to-use for both teachers and students 

• easy to integrate into existing classroom and school network environments

• the devices offer cost and size advantages when compared with traditional notebook computers

In addition, using handheld computers for in-class assignments can dramatically add power to a learning environment. For instance, students can use their handhelds' to research how to write a thesis. The entire class can search the Internet for appropriate tutorial sites, download information and draft statements. In ten minutes, the class reconvenes and shares their notes, experiences and completed examples. This approach capitalizes on the information-processing model of learning. In this model, the stimulus, which is the handheld device, attracts the attention of the student, encouraging them to manipulate both physically and mentally the information into their short term or working memory successfully into their long term memory for subsequent retrieval.