Personal Digital Assistants are handheld computers. They are referred to as “assistants” because they have organizing functions, such as calendar, task, and memo tools. Today’s handheld device may include a digital camera, audio recording, USB port, or GPS. GPS on our cell phones is a feature that we frequently use when traveling as a family. WiFi technology is also a feature widely available with some cell phones/handhelds. Students can use Bluetooth to “beam” or send apps and files from one handheld to another. Files or apps can be transferred or synched between a computer and handheld by using WiFi or Bluetooth connection. Documents to Go is an app which allows users to transfer Microsoft Office files between a computer and a handheld. I have a fellow student in one of my classes that has no computer access from home. He uses his Blackberry to check his Wiki space for class, and even writes papers and sends them using his cell phone.
Online surveys are done to make sure that the Web page we’re looking at is accurate and adequate to meet our needs concerning research, and in obtaining vital information. Many people blog or create random web pages just for the fun of it. One never knows who the person is who created the page we’re looking at. When bringing up a site it needs to contain accuracy and objectivity. Who wrote the page you’re staring at is something that would be extremely important to me as a teacher. There are predators that can be very deceptive on the web. This is a concern in our world today. Surveys help give data to ensure future use and safety of certain sites. What credentials does the author have in order for us to be sure that they know what they’re talking about? Is his information detailed and his opinions clearly stated? Who published the document? Does the document have an institution that backs up the author? What was the reason he wrote it? What goals and objectives might the page meet? Are we able to find a date on the article? Was it reproduced? These are all valid and important questions to consider when determining whether an article/site/page is a good source. Surveys save us time and energy when considering a safe, educational place for our students to access.
The use of the ipod and cell phones are two ways that my children access the web daily, without the use of a lap or desktop computer. It would be a comfort to know that information that my family, and future students, access on the net is safe and accurate. I wonder if future ratings/control will ever be adopted to keep frivolous predators, obscene sites, and inaccurate websites from being so readily accessible? So, while not particularly convenient, it is necessary to evaluate websites, because the internet is here to stay.
Meaningful Learning With Technology. pp 29, 30. David Johnassen. Copyright 2008, 2003, 1999 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458. Pearson Prentice Hall.
1 comment:
I thought your post was very interesting. I also know a few people who use their PDAs for Internet access either because they don't have access to a computer or they just prefer the PDA over the computer. In my opinion I find that difficult, but many people, especially the young ones have seemed to master the art of using PDAs, small screen or not it doesn't seem to bother them.
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