PDAs - Personal Digital Assistants   A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a portable, handheld device that contains many of the same functions as computer including word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphing, drawing, and other applications such as scheduling and address book. The Palm OS (Palms and Visors) and Window CE (PocketPCs) operating systems are most popular.   You can download free and inexpensive software from the Internet, "hot sync" with your computer, and beam information between devices for collaboration. Additional modules, accessories, and devices can be added to the PDA such as keyboards, science probes, digital cameras, audio recorders, and GPS.   Read more about PDAs at Teacher Tap: Handhelds.   Selection Synergy PDAs Digital Imaging Portable Keyboard Other Devices Teacher Tap Links Pros portability and size less expensive than laptop many "add-ons" Cons the graffiti writing option is difficult for some the small viewing window can be frustrating and hard to read gets expensive with modules and accessories Classroom Ideas Teacher Organizing Tools scheduling grading tracking progress attendance inventory lesson plans lecture notes   Student Organizing Tools reading lists assignment tracking collaboration Learning Tools tutorials simulations games drill and practice testing & quizzes flash cards Q & A   Information Tools references translation listen to speeches read articles/books view maps/diagrams Production Tools word processor note taking journaling & logging prompts language arts lab/field notes spreadsheet database calculator graphing survey data sketching/drawing timeline outline concept mapping scrapbook slide show share messages   Attachments gather data - probes locate sites - GPS record audio take photos play music access web & email type story/report Selection | Synergy | PDAs | Digital Imaging | Portable Keyboard | Other Devices | Teacher Tap Links | Eduscapes Graphic courtesy of Compaq - http://compaq.com Created by Annette Lamb, 05/02.