Personal digital assistants are handheld computers. The handheld computers are things like the Ipad or the palm piolet. The personal digital assistants are a great way to keep organized in the classroom. Teachers can map out their daily agendas so they know what they have to cover. Teachers can also use the calenders on the handheld computers to send the students what events will be upcoming in the classroom. Students can use these handheld computers to record the teachers audio lectures. The Palm uses window opperating system, so the students can also use these handhelds to take notes and write down homework assignments. Just like any other technology in the classroom, the handhelds can be a distraction.
Online surveys have become very popular in the american culture. Online surveys are used to get the opinion of americans on many different things. Politics use surveys to find out what the people will and will not support. Companies use surveys to find out what the American people will and will not buy. Online surveys could help us in the classroom because students can make surveys and then make graphs on their results. Another great way to use surveys is for school districts to make a survey to find out what the general population feels the schools need improvement on. Two good rules for writing a good survey are to avoid bias, and avoid long questions. If these are included in surveys then the results will not be what you need.
Personal digial assistants are a great way for students to learn how to use technology. These things can really make a classroom run better. The only problem I have with these is that students often get off track, and with basically a mini computer in their hands they could really lose focus. As far as the internet surveys go, I feel that these are very usful. The survey is a great way to get an idea of the thinking of the general population. The only problem I feel about surveys is that some surveys are bias and will be worded in a way that leads you to answer in a certain way.
Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R. M., Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful learning with technology. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
I agree with you Daniel. Personal digital assistants are useful in the classroom and help students take notes and write down homework. They can also be a distraction though because some students might use them to play games or text. I also agree tha the internet surveys are useful. Since we took one in our SED class I understand them more, and I can see how it can benefit us as students by testing our knowledge.
ReplyDeleteVery good posting Daniel because I too think that (PDA's) can be useful in the class room. I also agree that they can be a distraction if too much social networking is going on. Internet surveys can also do damage if it results in someone losing their job. Most of all I thinks these two topics will be used to the good.
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