Handheld Computers in School

I had an epiphany today in class regarding this exact topic. We were in the computer lab researching for an activity when a student pulled out what I think is called an iTouch. It's an iPod meets iPhone gadget with amazing clarity and easy to perform touch screen. Not only did the student have an extensive collection of music, he had easy access to the internet as if it were a laptop not just a handheld internet phone. It was amazing! Then I thought to myself, how many students have access to these types of gadgets? How much time do they spend attached to their handheld devices (I just realized that "handheld" has become its own word)? For 25 years old, sometimes I feel a little archaic. In any case, like most technology, it has the potential to be an amazing resource. It has also acquired the role of being an essential part of understanding and functioning in our current society. I see this as being a great opportunity to be able to spend more individual attention to students on IEPs or just need more time to take notes. i.e. just use bluetooth technology to send a copy of the notes to the student or instant feedback from anywhere. However, if I thought cell phones and texting were a major distraction...the sky is the limit with these new devices.