In 2008, several companies launched the first pocket projectors. This handheld, portable device enables users to cast multiple applications including video and images onto a screen equipped to 50 inches. Pocket projectors connect to a variety of media devices including the iPod, computer, digital camera, and cell phone (Feierman, 2010). At $300 for high-quality, this cost-efficient mobile device creates another element to a collaborative, interactive teaching environment.The major challenges of this technology include improving battery life, brightness, and resolution. Currently, pocket projector developers are making advancements to improve these issues in newer models. Currently, the average battery life ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours. By 2012, Colegrove (2010) predicts the battery life will extend to 4 hours. The brightness and resolution pales in comparison to the detail of larger digital projectors. However, the demand for this technology is increasing causing significant advances. Colegrove (2010) reports up to 50% better resolution since the first models.
Pocket projectors are designed to be used anywhere. Because the device travels easily, it offers multiple solutions for classroom, business, and entertainment demonstrations. The small size is an noticeable advantage. However, pocket projectors are also eco-friendly, lightweight, compatible with multiple devices, battery-operated, and feature an extended lamp life (Jennifer, 2009). In the classroom, pocket projects offer a simple solution to displaying images, video, and text (Mosotech, 2010). The unlimited learning opportunities will craft lessons that will spark discovery and invoke a spirit of collaboration.
Once sound and visual quality improve, pocket projectors will improve communication in the classroom. The demand for this emerging technology reveals that it is well on its way to becoming emerged. A remote would make this technology even better. Accessing the files from an separate location would add an additional “Wow” factor.
View the following video for a demonstration.
References
Colegrove, J. (2010, November 8). Pocket projectors advance in features, brightness, and battery life [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://www.displaysearchblog.com/2010/11/pocket-projectors-advance-in-features-brightness-and-battery-life/
Feierman, A. (2010, October). The 2010 pico projector and pocket projector guide and reviews. Retrieved from http://www.projectorreviews.com/pico_projectors/index.php
Jennifer. (2009, February 16). New pocket projectors vs. low-priced lcd projector [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://articles.projectorpeople.com/home-theater-tech-news/new-pocket-projectors-vs-low-priced-lcd-projector/
Mosotech. (2010, July 4). Pocket projector: The most handy technology is small size for classrooms [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://moso-technology.com/2010/07/pocket-projector-the-most-handy-technology-is-small-size-for-classrooms/
These seem very useful...and much better to a bulkier LCD projector. I can see why this would come in handy...with the institution of IWBs how do you think it will affect its emergence since it is not interactive?
ReplyDeleteWell, right now, we have something called the C.O.W, which is just a computer on wheels. We use this technology when we go to present at workshops and conferences. However, transporting this device is very bulky and potentially costly if damaged. The pocket projector would be an easier way to share projects. Within the school, we are always projecting something either at parent nights, movie days, staff developments, and meetings. This technology would provide another means of sharing. In the classroom, I can see it used during small group intervention. Small groups could view a presentation and discuss or surf the web for research. It is not a necessity, but certainly a piece of technology that would improve existing emerged technology.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the response,
Marci
Hi Marci,
ReplyDeleteI want one! I have been thinking of purchasing one for a while now. I already have projector in my room that works in conjunction with my smart board. However, I have often though of using a separate projector for a back channel, where students can ask and answer questions during the lesson.
Great post!
George
Marci
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post about pocket projectors, all I can say is technology is simply amazing and it seems that it gets smaller and more sophisticated everyday. Dr. Soloway reinforces that a technology that becomes essential is one that will fit in my pocket (Laureate Education, n.d). Therefore, I think pocket projectors will help will improve marketing campaigns because people will be able to go anywhere to make a presentation (park, subway, mall, church, middle of nowhere). We all know that word-of-mouth is a powerful influence on what is adopted or diffused and pocket projectors will only make it easier to share information with others (Rogers, 2003). In the future, we will be traveling with our own personal media center. People traveling to conferences will experience less stress because the equipment will not be heavy to load or transport. This may sound crazy, but I can also see pocket projectors being used for fun. For example, people that go tent camping could watch TV or a movie using a cell phone and pocket projector. Get the popcorn or smores ready!
Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). New York: Free Press.
Soloway, E. (n.d.). Emerging vs. Emerged Technologies. [Vodcast]. Laureate Education, Inc.
Amy
Seeing that I am a gadget person, all I can say is I want one! Companies are finding more ways to make technology assessable and affordable. I have seen big bulky projects priced over $500. With a improved battery life and display I would be in the market to try one out.
ReplyDeleteI want one too! I've looked at them, and I have it on my Santa list. The reviews say that the room has to be really dark. However, the newer models are addressing that problem. I can see so many uses for this product; fun and educational. The only limit is our imagination. Kids are motivated by gadgets, and this one will draw their attention.
ReplyDeleteWhen would you use this projector; in a classroom environment or for an off campus presentation? Is this cost effective? This seems like a good technology for someone who travels a lot and does presentation. I am always glad to hear about new technology, and at this point in my life, I am wondering if we are overloaded with these new gadgets.
ReplyDeleteHi Marci,
ReplyDeleteI think the pocket projector is a great example of an emerging technology. I like the convenience and size of the projector. I think that student athletes would find this technology very helpful in their academic studies because of travel.
Brenda