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 handheld computing, podcasts, iPods & mobility from Tony Vincent
 
Tony Vincent

Tony VincentTony taught fifth grade for six years, and three of those years his students were pioneers in educational handheld computing. Then, as technology specialist at Willowdale Elementary in, Tony brought the newest technologies into classrooms. Whether it was digital video, blogs, email, podcasts, or handhelds, Tony helped Willowdale teachers and students understand the usefulness of new technologies. Currently, Tony is self-employed as an educational consultant. He conducts workshops, presents at conferences, and writes books based on his teaching experiences and passion for new technologies.

Always excited to share, Tony has documented much of what he knows about handheld computing and podcasting on his website, learninginhand.com. There you'll find useful software collections, the best webs links for handhelds, complete lesson plans, and an informative blog. In fact, work on Learning in Hand has given Tony opportunities to work collaboratively with software developers on educational software for Palm Powered handhelds. Applications like SpellIt, Gone Mad!, Simplify, MixedUp, Divisible, Angles, Dictate, and SillySentences are freely available for download and use.

Described by Edutopia magazine as a "tireless evangelist for the power of handhelds," Tony's specialty is creatively using handhelds for engaging activities, and he's spread his message across the country. He has inspired educators with his practical workshops and enlightening presentations. He also teaches a graduate class for the University of Nebraska titled, "Handhelds in Teaching and Learning." In addition, Tony's expertise was used to co-write Handhelds for Teachers & Administrators, a complete resource for using handhelds in the K-12 classroom.

Milken Family FoundationTony is proud to have earned honors that include the Nebraska Excellence in Teaching with Technology Award, University of Nebraska's Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. All of that aside, Tony is a teacher who wants to make education effective, relevant, and fun. He knows handhelds are small computers that can make a big difference in classrooms!

Friendly folks have had nice things to say about Tony. Here are a few quotes:

  • "In about 20 minutes, I picked up at least ten things I can use in the next two weeks.  That’s incredible!  Thank you for being such a positive influence on educators everywhere.  You make teaching look fun and techno-cool, not to mention dignified, appealing, and intellectual!" -Janine, Michigan
  • Tony Vincent had a very engaging presentation style and a great PowerPoint presentation. He kept it very simple with great graphics. -Lucy, Illinois
  • "I just wanted to let you know how inspiring your website has been for me." -Dianne, Arizona
  • "You are an excellent presenter.  Thank you very much for an outstanding program...I have a confession to make to you.  When I went to your program in Michigan.....I just dared you to motivate me.  Well, Tony, you not only motivated me--you "Wowed" me." -Cindy, Seaford, Delaware
  • "Tony, you not only motivated me--you 'wowed' me." -Cindy, Seaford, Delaware
  • "Many of the kids know the name 'Tony Vincent' as a real neat guy that taught their teacher cool computer stuff over the summer." -Kathy, Arizona
  • "You're a huge help. You're my secret weapon!" -Elaine, North Carolina
  • "You've been an inspiration to me as I've sought to integrate technology into my teaching." -Brent, California
  • "Thank you again for the FANTASTIC workshop. It really has me and my kiddos doing so much more now." -Ralph, Phoenix, AR
  • "I want to commend you on your ability to influence the way this country uses technology in teaching and learning." -Tom, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • "What would we do without him?" -Midge, Massachusetts
  • "You've given me terrific suggestions for getting our feet wet slowly and without fear!" -Kellie, Turnersville, NJ
  • “Tony is a tremendous model and resource for students and teachers...through his skills and creativity he demonstrates how simple, fun and effective it is to use handheld computers throughout the curriculum." -Martha Rolley, palmOne Corp.
  • "I have learned so much from your site as well as learned about new Palm OS software to use in my classroom." -Jason, New York
  • "Just want to thank you for your wonderful website and for writing such an informative and idea-filled book!" -Carl, Illinios
Mentionings
Tony, his work, and his web sites have been mentioned or featured in articles, books, and more.
10 Years Later - Cheap, Easier, StarTeaching Newsletter
February 2008
Vincent Empowers Teacher, Students With Technology, University of Nebraska at Omaha
October 2007
The Steering Committee Speaks, Handheld Learning
September 2007
Podcast Promotes North Platte, North Platte Telegraph
March 2007
Podcasters on Podcasting, Podcast by Heidi Estrin
October 2006
The Podcast Heard Around The World, Scholastic Administrator
June 2006
Nothing But 'Net for Valpo Project, Northwest Indiana Times
April 2006
A Mobile Cause, T.H.E. Journal
March 2006
Website of the Month, StarTeaching.com
January 2006
Special Issue Dedicated to Tony Vincent, Mobile Learning News
November 2005
iPods Fast Becoming New Teacher's Pet, The Washington Post
October 19, 2005

Let's Learn About Podcasting, Omaha World Herald
September 18, 2005
Handheld Hints, TechLearning
January 1, 2005
Milken Awards go to Teachers in Millard and Kearney, Omaha World Herald
October 6, 2004
Technology: The Connected Classroom, Newsweek
September 27, 2004
Motivating Learners with Handheld Technology to Enhance Literacy, Wisconsin State Reading Asssociation Journal, pages 39-42
Spring, 2004
Hollie Bethel Distinguished Alumni Luncheon, UNOmaha Press Release
April, 2004
Teachers Look to Omahan for Handheld Help, Norfolk Daily News
January, 2004
Handhelds in Omaha, Teaching NOW! 30-minute video
December, 2003
Education Success Story, Palm.com
November, 2003
Handhelds for Teachers & Administrators, Tom Snyder Productions
November, 2003
The Write Stuff, George Lucas Foundation's Edutopia Newsletter
October, 2003

Teacher Feature, Education World
September, 2003
A Foothold for Handhelds, American School Board Journal
September, 2003
Tips and Tricks for Using Handhelds in the Classroom, by Midge Frazel and Joe R. Souza, Jr.
May, 2003
Teachers Can Exploit Handhelds in Class, Philadelphia Inquirer
May, 2003
Meaningful Writing Experience through Handheld Technology, National Council of Teachers of English School Talk
April, 2003
Are You Ready?, NEA Today
April, 2003
Spotlight Teacher, Nebraska Catalyst Project
October, 2003
Site Review, Education World
January, 2003
 
Page Updated 2/26/08