Bethany RutschillingKylie Baier

Laptop Personal computer

that can be easily transported

Internet access if there is a wireless card

PDA Computer that fits

into your hand Personal Digital

Assistant Organization Tool Internet available

Positives Every student has internet access at their

fingertips Great resource Find out the most up to date information More mobility Notes can be easily done and kept organized

on the computer Motivator

Negatives Cost/School funding Teacher knowledge of how to integrate into

classroom Teachers may not know how to use the

computers or may be unwilling to take the time to learn how to use the different programs

Hard to monitor student use They could easily be off task

Study don’t of fifth sixth and seventh-grade students with access to laptops in the classroom

Grade split into two: half with the use of laptops and the other without

Results Group with laptops

learning outcomes and student’s interest in learning were greater when they had access to laptops

students scoring higher in district writing tests when compared to the control students

Texas A&M libraries implemented a laptop lending program

Freedom and mobility with access to different sources while still being connected to the library’s catalogues

Proved to be very successful for students Student response was extremely positive

Positives Lower cost than other technology Keyboard hookup available Keeps students interested Contains up to date information Useful and convenient Simple navigation

Negatives Small Screen Some applications are difficult to use Takes time to learn Without the keyboard it can be difficult

Experiment with four students in a kindergarten classroom

Students caught on quickly The more they used them the better they

were Students felt in control and enjoyed using

it Showed a positive impact

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCs9RIVwHIQ

Discusses pros and cons of PDA’s Gives ideas for the teacher to use PDA’s Describes different types of PDA’s Allows teachers to research what would

work best for their classrooms Gives teachers insight on what students

may struggle with

Chang, Y. M., Mullen, L.,  & Stuve, M. (2005). Are PDAs Pedagogically Feasible for Young Children? Examining the Age-Appropriateness of Handhelds in a Kindergarten Classroom. T.H.E. Journal, 32(8), 40.

Lowther, D. L., Ross, S. M.,  & Morrison, G. M. (2003). When Each One Has One: The Influences on Teaching Strategies and Student Achievement of Using Laptops in the Classroom. Educational Technology Research and Development, 51(3), 23-44.

Williams, J. (2003). Taming the Wireless Frontier: PDAs, Tablets, and Laptops at Home on the Range. Computers in Libraries, 23(3), 10-12.

Whatis.com Tech-faq.com/pda.hstml