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Portable Technology Comes of Age
ARTICLE

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T.H.E. Journal Volume 31, Number 4, ISSN 0192-592X

Abstract

The PDA was originally conceived of as a portable handheld electronic device that provided a user with a tool to organize his or her life through easy access to a personal calendar, daily planner, and address book. Over the years, these devices have expanded to include many new functions, which have helped more applications in diverse fields. This includes an increased interest in their use within K-12 and higher education. During 2001-2002, PDAs for teachers had been integrated into 7% of all U.S. public schools. In addition, SRI International released the "Palm Education Pioneers Program: Final Evaluation Report" (2002), which reported on a large-scale study of the use of handheld computers in more than 100 U.S. elementary and secondary classrooms. Of the teachers who participated in this study, about 90% felt handhelds were effective classroom tools and had the potential for making a positive impact on student learning. However, the majority of practicing teachers and prospective student teachers has had little exposure or experience with PDAs as educational tools. This article focuses on a study of the incorporation of the Compaq (now Hewlett-Packard) iPAQ Pocket PC into an introductory teacher education course at Brigham Young University. In the study, the authors focused on how student teachers would voluntarily use the devices for personal and learning needs, and how their attitudes toward technology in the teaching and learning process may change as a result of experience using handheld computers. The student teachers in this study felt very comfortable with the use of PDAs. A majority (58%) saw the need for the classroom to be more collaborative and active, while 96% of the student teachers believed that technology, such as PDAs, has great potential for effective use in the classroom. (Contains 2 tables.)

Citation

Wangemann, P., Lewis, N. & Squires, D.A. (2003). Portable Technology Comes of Age. T.H.E. Journal, 31(4), 26-28. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from .

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