Then, you can call your student with the answer or discuss the issue via instant messaging or e-mail. When it comes to handheld and smartphone tips for teachers, the possibilities are endless.

The first Microsoft smartphone was launched in October 2002, and the revolution was almost as great as the one initiated by Alexander Graham Bell. In addition to calling someone from any location, people were given the capability to access the Internet in the palm of their hands or to send messages to anyone in the world. Teachers are among the chief benefactors of the advantages of handheld and smartphones, because they are often moving from classroom to classroom and need to be contacted often by students who need assistance. Handheld and smartphone tips for teachers include ways of communicating with students and planning lessons while on the road, and at the same time, using certain features to schedule meetings with students and faculty.

Your smartphone is only as smart as the application you use with it, so make sure that applications are installed correctly. You can use ActiveSync to make the installation from your PC to your handheld or smartphone, or you can install the program directly from your seller's site. Use Internet Explorer to download automatically. ActiveSync is the most flexible program for making transfers, and you can even transfer music files if you wish. Handheld and Smartphone tips for teachers of music education might involve downloading music files to turn your smartphone into an Ipod. The only difference between transferring regular files and transferring music is that music requires more storage space. If you purchase external storage, you can take your music files with you to listen to on the train or to share with your students. Transferring audio files on to a handheld or smartphone is a good tip for other teachers as well, because an English teacher, for instance, might want to share a recording of T.S. Eliot reading a poem, or a history teacher might want to give a lecture based on a famous speech.

Handheld and Smartphone tips for teachers involve multi-tasking; you can plan your lectures on the go by doing research on the net, compose notes on your Microsoft Word, send and receive text messages from students, and make appointments. You can even make a phone call once in a while! Of course, having this capability increases efficiency and can help you use your spare time wisely; you needn't wait until you get home to start planning your lectures.  You use your commute to do valuable tasks.

Handheld and Smartphone tips for teachers and administrators don't just apply to working individually, but also involve other aspects of education. For instance, information about students can be transferred to teachers and administrators through instant messaging for heightened security. A certain student might be causing problems in a classroom, and the principal can be contacted right away to deal with the problem. Parents who want to be informed of disciplinary problems as they arise can also be contacted several ways with a handheld or a smartphone. These devices improve communication between parents, teachers and administration, which is essential for student success.

There are many success stories involving teachers, students, and their smartphones and handhelds. Classrooms that were using traditional PCs saw a dramatic increase in classroom participation after they switched to handheld devices or smartphones. Students who are able to contact their teachers more easily become more motivated to study and to complete their homework.

What if this constant access is burdensome to teachers who have family functions and other events to attend? A teacher can make his or her "office hours" apply on the road when using their handhelds or smartphones. You needn't be concerned about having your life overwhelmed by these devices; you can put messages on your phone or your e-mail informing students of when you will be available.

Text messaging is a valuable resource for everyone. Handheld and Smartphone tips for teachers include use of text messages that can be sent wherever you have a data connection. When you create a text message you are notified when it is delivered. If you want to make an efficient transfer of data from one handheld or smartphone to another, or to a regular PC, you can beam information using Bluetooth or Infrared technology.

A handheld or smartphone is great for teachers because it allows you to organize your classes and meetings easily while you are on the go. You can use categories for your group-related contacts and appointments. There are also business and personal categories for your own listings. For security, you can also lock your smartphone or handheld with passwords. These devices make it easy to communicate with other devices; such as headsets, printers and computers. Therefore, handhelds and smartphones are great to use when at home or away.

Perhaps you have an idea that occurs to you during a lecture, but you do not have the time to write it down? Handheld and Smartphone tips for teachers include using voice notes to record your thoughts for later. A student could even repeat his or her question into your smartphone, and this will encourage others to ask questions as well. A good smartphone has a digital camera feature. If you see something relevant to what you are teaching, you needn't simply describe the occurrence or the object to your students, but you can actually capture it on film and print it out to enliven your lecture.

Of all the handheld and Smartphone tips for teachers, the most essential is to go out and get one! You'll be glad you made the investment.