PDAs have the ability to synchronize to a personal computer. This is done through synchronization software provided with the PDA such as the HotSync Manager, which comes with Palm OS handhelds, or Microsoft ActiveSync, which comes with Windows Mobile handhelds. Synchronization compares the data on the PDA with the personal computer and updates both devices with the most recent information.
Published in Chapter:
Teaching and Learning with Personal Digital Assistants
Steve Chi-Yin Yuen (University of Southern Mississippi, USA) and Patrivan K. Yuen (William Carey College, USA)
Copyright: © 2008
|Pages: 7
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-881-9.ch133
Abstract
Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are small handheld devices initially designed for use as personal organizers. They can store documents, spreadsheets, calendar entries, games, databases, and lots of other resources normally associated with a laptop or desktop computer. PDAs are relatively inexpensive and highly portable and are designed to utilize small, low-bandwidth files and applications. They are able to perform limited PC tasks such as word processing and spreadsheet analysis and newer PDAs are capable of Web browsing and e-mail functions via wire or wireless connected to networks. Also, they can synchronize with desktop computers and laptops to download Web sites via channels and work off-line. Furthermore, PDAs offer infrared communication, allowing data to be transferred across short distances between devices without the need for networks. The latest developments offer wireless connection via mobile phone networks or Bluetooth, and many combine phone and PDA functions in one unit (Aclear.net, n.d.). This article will provide an overview of PDA technology including advantages and limitations and the use of PDAs in teaching and learning, as well as the future trends. This will help educators assess the use of PDAs in teaching and learning environments and determine how PDAs can be integrated into the curriculum.