Accessing PDAs in the Classroom
By Terry Thompson; CSUN Technology and Persons With Disabilities Conference - 2004,Publication Date: 2004
Article discusses the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) such as the Palm and iPAQ in educational settings. These devices are small, handheld computers, and are used in classrooms to increase student organization, facilitate collaboration, and maximize portable technology capabilities. Educational facilities can enjoy the fact that PDAs generally cost less than full-size computers, while some feature useful educational tools such as word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications. People with learning or cognitive disabilities can benefit from various organizational and task management functions, while people with mobility disabilities can enjoy the device’s lightweight and portable design. The authors contend that PDAs are currently not accessible to all users in that the devices are usually interfaced with a small stylus for input and a small screen for output. These features can be impossible to utilize if someone cannot use the stylus or see the screen. The accessibility of these devices could be greatly improved if these concerns are addressed.
Published by: Center on Disabilities at CSUN (Website:http://www.csun.edu/cod/)
Link to text: http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2004/proceedings/227.htm
