Technology article

A current technology topic I found very interesting was using Personal digital assistants in the classroom. I knew nothing at all about this until I read the article. I found out that a PDA is a small handheld computer that includes word, spreedsheets, organizers, and calculators. It is also relatively inexpensive. They are smaller and less expensive then laptops but can perform many of the same functions. This article talked about how a PDA creates a more student centered classroom environment. It can also be useful in group work and experimentation activities. The mobility of such a device as a PDA is also very useful, the students are able to go out and do field work and still have access to tons of information. Students are not restircted to a stationary computer and can access what they need to anytime and anywhere. The PDA's were tried in a middle school with teachers only. The teachers commented after the experiment of using PDA's that they were not comfortable with using them because they did not fully understand them. They didn't have any previous experience with using this type of technology in the classroom.
I am kind of excited to see where this idea will go in the future. If it would actually work to replace computers in school with PDA's. If students and teachers will be able to use them effectivly. If they will be less expensive and more beneficial to student learning. I personally would have a hard time getting used to them at first because I have had no expereince. I do believe they would be beneficial if students and teachers could understand how to use them.
This was an interesting article to read and I am glad I got to learn more about PDA's and how they are starting to be used in furthering education. As a future teacher I could see this as being a useful tool in staying organized if I could understand how to use it properly.