The Fly Pentop Computer: An Emerging Technology

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The Fly Pentop Computer An Emerging Technology

• Mary Cleary
• Current Emerging Instructional Technology 6606
• Dr. DeClue
• Nov. 7, 2006

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Table of Contents

• description of the technology
• developers of the technology
• current or projected uses of the technology
• costs
• specialized equipment or standards of usage
• availability
• physical access
• adaptability
• level of interactivity
• type of control
• vendor or producer information
• educational applications of the technology
• bibliography covering salient sources (APA style)

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developers of the technology

• LeapFrog Enterprises- developers of interactive
  educational toys for toddlers through upper
  elementary children
• The Flys developers applied the 7 second rule to
  toddlers and kids "If the product's art and
  audio fail to engage the user within 7 seconds,
  the user will never engage."

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current or projected uses of the technology
The current use for Fly is as a homework tutor or
as a game pad for young teens. However, the
projected use is broader. The applications for
interactive textbooks which would only require
printing on dot matrix paper. Students could use
Fly to work math problems in the book, access
assignments, and a whole host of other
interactive assignments in other disciplines such
as creative writing, spelling, etc.
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costs

• Cost for the Basic Package is suggested at 99
  although it can be gotten somewhat cheaper on the
  internet.
• The Fly Paper (which must be used) is 6.99 per
  pack of 60 pages.
• Add-on software packages vary from 35 to 65.
• Other accessories such as color covers,
  recharger, and carrier can be purchased for
  varying cost .

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specialized equipment or standards of usage

• Fly uses an AA battery or can be plugged into an
  optional recharger. The basic package includes
  several educational tutor software programs such
  as math, journaling, and spelling as well as
  several interactive games. Other software
  packages can be purchased. Leapfrog is
  continually adding new packages to broaden the
  appeal of the product.

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availability
Fly can be purchased anywhere educational toys
are sold, including Target, Walmart, Toys R Us,
etc. Fly can also be purchased online at Amazon
and other product sites.
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physical access
Fly can be stored in its convenient
holder/recharger just about anywhere. To access
Fly you just have to press the on button and
write. Fly can be carried anywhere in a pocket,
purse, or backback. The notepad of special paper
is easily carried around just like a regular
notebook.
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level of interactivity
To activate Flys math program you simply draw a
calculator which becomes interactive by tapping
on the numbers and symbols. To use the music
program draw a keyboard and drums. The drawing
becomes an actual keyboard and drumset which can
be tapped to create sound.
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type of control
The Pentop is controlled by old fashioned
writing. The user must print using capitol
letters. The Fly reads the writing and
interacts verbally.
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vendor or producer information

• Fly Pentop Computer is produced by LeapFrog
  Enterprises
• The official Fly Website is
• http//www.flypentop.com/view/page.home/home

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educational applications of the technology

• Fly provides software as an interactive tutor for
  math, algebra, creative writing, spelling,
  Spanish, geography, and music as well as games
  such as interactive Sudoku

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Bibliography

• Bourin, P. (Dec. 4, 2005). The Fly Pentop
  Computer. Retrieved from Slate
  http//www.slate.com/id/2132261/
• Fly Pentop website http//www.flypentop.com/view/
  page.home/home
• Highly anticipated US99 Pentop Computer hits
  shelves. Retrieved from Gizmag.
• http//www.gizmag.com/go/4777/
• Kharif, O. (Aug. 25, 2005). Fly should soar with
  kids. Retrieved from BusinessWeek Online.
  http//www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug
  2005/tc20050823_6989.htm
• Pogue, D. (Nov. 17, 2005. The pen gets a whole
  lot mightier. Retrieved from New York Times
  Online. http//www.nytimes.com/2005/11/17/technolo
  gy/circuits/17pogue.html