Introduction to PDAin Education

Objective

The main objective of the seminar is to introduce both students and teachers on using PDAs in school. Topics covered include

What is PDA? Various types of PDAs? Why is it becoming increasingly popular? Why will it benefit me? What role will PDA’s play for me at work

and home?

What is PDA?

Personal Digital Assistant It is a small, compact portable computer that

only performs a certain amount of tasks. It is a digital PIM

Personal Information Manager Entertainment Center Portable Office – Electronic Secretary Communication Centre

Kewl….where do I get one?

Hold on….need to think… Need to know which one you want.

Just like computers, you need to know what operating system (O/S) you want to use?

Each OS have their own pros and cons Really depends on the user…that’s YOU

PDA O/S:

Most popular but is not the most original PDA OS Very first one was Apple Newton

Palm started under 3Com and now has other clones such as Handspring, Sony, just to name a few

Dominates about 80% of market More companies are switching from

standard PDA to SmartPhones

PDA O/S:

+ Cross platform to Windows and Macintosh easily

+/- Integrates to Office products with use of 3rd party software (Document to Go or QuickOffice)

+ More economical models

- Not 100% multimedia Adobe Acrobat – yes Web – yes Flash – no RealAudio - no

+ More shareware than any other OS

Used widely on campuses

Networking is tricky

PDA O/S:

Previously PocketPC and WindowsCE Combines

WindowsMobile TabletPC

Like duh…Microsoft!!! Gaining popularity

PDA O/S:

+ Costly More affordable

equipment are coming out

- Platform Works mostly with

Windows There are kits

available to work with Macintosh

+ Integrates with Office beautifully Isn’t that a

surprise??? + Multimedia

Acrobat – yes Flash – yes Web - yes

PDA O/S:

Wireless connections to LAN and Network is stronger Works with

Bluetooth better than Palm

Shareware is exploding New ones everyday

PDA O/S: Pocket LINUX

Relatively new… Introduced in 2002 with Sharp Zarus Linux combined with Java

LINUX was developed by Linus Torvalds LINUX is becoming more popular in 2003

The movie Sinbad this year was made entirely on LINUX

LINUX is more secured and economical

- Not 100% compatible to MS Office - Not as many shareware available

Almost no educational…yet + Affordable + Fast + Secured

PDA O/S: Pocket LINUX

Ok…so which one should I get?

Have to ask yourself What kind of environment do I want to work

with? Palm vs. WindowsMobile vs. PocketLINUX vs. J2ME

What kind of things do I plan to do on the PDA? What kind of money am I willing to spend?

PDA, Shareware, Accessories What desktop software do I plan to use in

conjunction with the PDA?

Why are PDAs becoming increasingly popular?

Mobility Allow use of recording information,

including a database and synchronize both home and office

Ideal use for Microsoft Applications, Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Reader

Mobile entertainment Listen to music on PDAs

Why are PDAs becoming increasingly popular?

Communication Popular use of Wireless communications Can use wired communications too

Special cards are used

Access network with PDAs at home, office, and even Starbucks Coffee with TMobile HotSpot Many high school and college campuses are using

wireless communications for use with PDAs

Why are PDAs becoming increasingly popular?

Security Information on PDA are often times more

secured than your laptop Some PDAs can be set up for finger

printing access PDAs can also be stolen too

Get those extended warranties

What role will PDA play in the classrooms?

According to research done by Syllabus magazine, there is an indication of a growth of campuses utilizing mobile computing technology

It includes PDAs, laptops and TabletPC Pasadena City College just completed their

wireless network, allowing instructors and students to link to the network

WebCT is working on PDA versions of their CMS

What role will PDA play in the classrooms?

Attention and retention is higher because students can take notes on their laptops, and/or PDAs and take it home and work from that. May even help remind them cues

from lectures Most students will work faster and

more efficient on digital technology

What role will PDA play in the classrooms?

For the teacher, it will make classroom administration and regular classroom tasks easier Have you ever wanted to jot down something

that came up during a lecture or in a conversation with a student and you need to write it down With a PDA close at hand, grab it, write it, done!

Can check e-mail regularly

What role will PDA play in the office?

eBooks are becoming more and more popular tool of reading Microsoft Reader and Adobe Acrobat eBooks can be bought online, download

and install

Conclusion

PDAs are becoming increasingly popular and more affordable, making it easier for schools, faculty, staff, and students to work digitally whenever possible

Research indicates that using digital technology in the classroom is attractive to students and faculty alike, therefore increasing attendance, retention and participation.

Conclusion

If you use a PDA as a habit, it can help you manage your schedule, work and even lifestyle, allowing you to spend more quality time with your students, family, and friends If you are new, you must make it a habit

to use it…a discipline that takes time

PDA References

Shareware www.handango.com www.palmgearhq.com www.pocketgear.com www.tucows.com www.download.com/mobile

PDA References

Books for Palm Palm Computing for Dummies How to Do Everything with your Palm

Handheld Palm Handhelds Visual QuickStart Guide

Books for WindowsMobile Unauthorized Guide to WindowsMobile How to Do Everything with

WindowsMobile

Buying a PDA

Make sure to take advantage of your academic price GovConnection

Tim Vanassee – 800-800-0019, x 33365 CDWG

Michelle Joyce – 866-222-2884 TRC (approved by Chancellor Office)

Tim Lilly – 800-517-2320. x 207