Techtalk: How Technology Has Changed Developmental Education
2003; Volume: 27; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
0894-3907
AutoresDavid C. Caverly, Lucy MacDonald,
Tópico(s)Web and Library Services
ResumoTechnology has changed the landscape of higher education significantly since this column started in 1985. We have moved from technology as computers and floppy disks to portable, mobile devices linked to the Internet. In this year's columns, we'll look at the developmental education applications of mobile devices, the variety of storage options available, and the process of keeping up with changes through professional development.Modernization in the workplace has driven much of these changes. As of 2001 (National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 2002), 70% of adults over 25 used a computer at work. Over 67% used it for the Internet or e-mail, 63% for word processing/desktop publishing, 57% for spreadsheets/databases, and 49% for calendaring/scheduling. This technology in the workplace and on our campuses has evolved into portable devices like laptops, subnotebooks, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Let's look at how we can teach our developmental students to effectively use these technologies to not only become better students but to be more effective knowledge workers.Variety of Portable DevicesProhibitive costs of computers limit access to many of our students. Laptops/subnotebook computers currently are as powerful as most desktop computers but cost between $1000 and $3000. Hybrid devices, like AlphaSmart or CalcuScribe (Fatula, 2002), cost less than $300 and provide simple word processing and calculator capabilities with the AlphaSmart providing a Personal Information Manager (PIM) through the Palm Operating System (Palm OS). Another solution is smart phones, which combine a PDA with a wireless phone. Building on innovations in wireless technology (Synchrologic, 2003) and costing about $400, these phones allow students to have both a phone and a PDA. Also available are portable hard drives (e.g., iPod; Apple, 2003) storing 30 GBs, which allow access to PIM data, large files, backup to a desktop, or 7500 songs (for the affective side of college). Later this year PDAs will morph into watches. Like the old comic book character, Dick Tracy, the new Fossil PDA watch (Fossil, 2003) or Microsoft's Smart Watch (Microsoft, 2003) allow students to have a PIM and access the Internet.Most portable devices on college campuses are PDAs with basic models starting at less than a $100. Using two major operating systems (Palm OS or PocketPC OS, with Blackberry OS a distant third), applications for these devices are prolific and platform ambivalent (Gade, 2003).Entry level PDAs allow input via tapping a stylus on a screen keyboard, handwriting recognition, synching with a computer, beaming with infrared connections (similar to a TV remote device allowing you to link with another PDA), or using an external keyboard (Zang & Gade, 2003). Virtual keyboards are appearing (Ananova Ltd., 2002) through which a keyboard is beamed to a flat surface that can detect typing. Advanced PDAs are comparable to Pentium II PCs or early G3 Macs with 400 MHz processors, 64 MB of RAM, voice input, ability to play MP3 music and MPEG movie files, and a built-in digital camera. High-end PDAs allow students to connect to the Internet via WiFi (Wireless Fidelity accessing a high frequency wireless local area network). Bluetooth (an alternative, shorter range wireless option; Franklin, 2003) connects to printers, scanners, or GPS (Geographical Positioning System) receivers.Learning Strategy ApplicationsMuch like computers, tutorial and tool software is abundant for both PDA platforms. Built-in PIM functions help students store names, addresses, webpages, PDF documents, and e-mail to be accessed later. Students can make to-do lists, short notes, respond to e-mail, track assignments, plan projects, or do calculations. Programs like 4.0 Student (Handmark, 2003) or Active Student Organizer (Siang, 2003) track homework, quizzes, test details, due dates, scores, textbooks, grades, and even forecast GPA. …
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