Instructors in four different classes will use the new technology, which involves the Classroom Wizard, a product by Scantron that allows a student to download an electronic Scantron form onto the PDA and use the stylus to key in answers.
For several years, Scantron has provided forms that require students to "bubble in" responses using a #2 pencil. Now, Scantron has developed an electronic means of providing the same service. Students will download an electronic Scantron form onto the PDA, use the stylus to input their answers, and then beam the results back to the instructor's PC via the infrared port on the PDA. Almost immediately, instructors will be able to determine areas of needed review.
Dr. Chrystle Ross, Professor of Information Technology and Interim Executive Director of the Office of Information Technology and Services, said technology should enrich students' lives beyond providing new avenues of entertainment.
"This project provides ABAC with an opportunity to test technology," Ross said. "Ease of providing student feedback and the immediacy of this feedback should enable instructors to more readily address potential problems or areas that need reinforcement. We want to see that the technology changes the way the instructor taught the class and consequently resulted in enhanced student learning."
Professors who will be using the PDAs this fall include Dr. Erin Campbell for a literature course, Kip Smith for an accounting course, Paul Foote for an American government course, and Dr. Jeff Seela, (tentative) for a chemistry course. They were chosen based on their interest in using new technologies.
Currently, ABAC is the only public post-secondary institution testing the validity of this teaching technology to enhance student learning. Plans are to provide wireless access at key on-campus locations to the college's local area network (LAN), allowing students to check e-mail and surf PDA-friendly web sites.
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