By: Meghan Kazanjian

What is it?

Flypen is an interactive pen-top computer developed by LeapFrog Enterprises and launched in 2005. It uses interactive paper to make what students write actually work. The size of an electric toothbrush, Flypen can be used as a calculator, calendar, piano keyboard, journal, math and social studies teacher and Spanish dictionary. It runs various software programs and educational games. Marketed to 8- to 14-year-olds, this digital pen runs on a single AAA battery and is available at Walmart for $99.62.

How to use it?

Users write on specially designed dot-matrix "Flypaper” allowing special markers to determine the pen’s position. Specified shortcuts launch various software programs. For example, drawing a “c” on the flypaper and circling it, students can then sketch a calculator. Math problems are input like a regular calculator and answers are spoken aloud. Another feature of the pen is that it is a musical instrument capable of recording songs. When students draw a piano keyboard, they can tap the keys and play the corresponding notes. About a dozen games come with the Flypen starter kit, with many more available for purchase. These add-on cartridges plug in to the top of the pen.

Why use it?

According to Jim Marggraff, the “visionary behind the FLY pentop computer and the father of the LeapPad personal learning tool and the Odyssey interactive globe,” educators should be using this technology because it “delivers individualized learning anywhere, anytime, on any topic.” He also claims that the pen is inexpensive, portable, and delivers highly engaging content.

How are teachers using it?

Because Flypen is based on the idea of individualized learning, I did not find any examples of teachers using it with their whole class. However, there were instances where teachers were suggesting to use it as a resource for learning support students, replacing laptop computers in their IEP, as they are much more portable and much less expensive. Parents are being encouraged to buy their children a Flypen as a resource for keeping students organized with the calendar and helping with homework and test preparation.

Resources

Baig, Edward C. (2005, November 30). Digital pen lets fly with high-tech cool. Retrieved July 14, 2006, from usatoday.com Web site:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2005-11-30-fly-pentop_x.htm

Berque, Dave (2005, November). Is the Pen Mightier than the Mouse?. Retrieved July 14, 2006, from The Journal.com Web site: http://thejournal.com/articles/17458

Fox, Charles (2005, November 14). Pen-Top Computer May Be a Help to Some Children with Disabilities. Retrieved July 14, 2006, from Special Education Law Blog Web site: http://specialedlaw.blogs.com/home/2005/11/for_sheer_gee_w.html

Gerber, Barry (2005, December 18). Are Pens the hot new moblie computing technology?. Retrieved July 14, 2006, from Mobility Guru.com Web site: http://www.mobilityguru.com/2005/12/19/pentop_computing_is_more_than_a_kids/

Kharif, Olga (2005, August 23). Fly Should Soar With Kids. Retrieved July 14, 2006, from BusinessWeek online Web site: http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050823_6989.htm

Q&A: Jim Marggraff on the fly pentop computer. Retrieved July 14, 2006, from District Administration.com Web site: http://www.districtadministration.com/page.cfm?p=1133

Retrieved July 14, 2006, from Fly Pen Educational Toy Web site: http://www.flypentop.com/view/page.basic/products

Svensson, Peter (2003, October 25). Product Review: This pen reads and talks. Retrieved July 14, 2006, from Post-Gazette.com Web site: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05298/592497.stm