Project SET
Modules
Effectively Using Your Palm Personal Digital Assistant: Basic Introduction
launch module (click on the link for "Basic Level Instruction")Roland N. Dickerson
Professor, College of PharmacyAs society progresses towards a more "high tech" world, tools to make our complicated lives easier and more organized are being developed. The personal digital assistant (PDA) is rapidly becoming an essential tool in the lives of busy professionals. In addition to keeping track of appointments, phone numbers and addresses, it can contain a wealth of information including databases or online resources relating to the individual's specific field of expertise whether in the sciences or humanities. Unfortunately, many individuals without the time, resources, or "technical savvy" never achieve the skills necessary for advanced use of their PDA. Resultantly, their PDA becomes an overpriced calendar, phone/address book and calculator or even just an expensive toy. The intent of this module is to provide the basic skills necessary to prepare the learner to transition to an effective user of their PDA. In this module, the learner will gain knowledge and experience with navigating throughout their PDA. They will also learn how to install software, set alarms, understand graffiti, and find and use command menu shortcuts. They will also develop some intermediate skills such as remapping the programmable buttons and making/beaming their own electronic business card. Finally, the learner will be introduced to commercially available office suites (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for the PDA. This basic introductory module will help prepare the faculty member, staff member, or student for the intermediate module whereby the user can actualize the true power of their PDA to help improve their productivity in the workplace.