Center of Excellence students receive free PDA’s

Dakota State University Center of Excellence students have received free palm pilots or personal digital assistants (PDA) to use throughout their tenure at Dakota State. Former Director of the Center of Excellence, Dr. Rick Christoph had 55 Palm Pilots purchased in order to give Center of Excellence students and faculty members hand held technology.

The Center of Excellence students are testing these PDAs, and research will be done as to what improvements academically the students have acquired by using them.

“There will be more wireless technology in the future on campus, and the Palm Pilots are a good place to begin with student testing,” said Wayne Pauli, Center of Excellence Director.

Eric Schneider, a sophomore Computer Science major from Faulkton, SD says using the Palm Pilot allows him to organize his day better.

“I like using it because it’s my own little pocket computer,” said Schneider. “I can read my email, keep up on current news and the many third party programs help me in many other ways.”

Dan Iverson, a Sophomore Computer Information Systems major from Watertown, SD says the Palm Pilot helps him with his studies.

“It has allowed me to be well prepared for tests and homework assignments because it reminds to study or finish an assignment,” said Iverson. “I love using it. I use it for everything. I keep track of class schedules, meetings, my to do list for school and personal things, playing games, checking email, and keeping track of phone numbers and addresses. It is really cool to use, and once you get the hang of it, I find it’s faster to use and easier to organize my day.”

When asked if all students should receive a Palm Pilot, both Iverson and Schneider agreed that the PDA’s are not for all students.

“I believe that PDA’s are an excellent tool for many students, but for others, they do not work so well,” commented Iverson. “PDA's should be made available to students, but only for those who want them.”

“I think that PDA’s at DSU should be available to everyone only if the school is going to do something with them,” said Schneider. “In other words don’t just give them out and collect them at the end of the year, set up ways so the students have to use them.”

The Palm Pilots remain the property of Dakota State University, and the students use them while they are attending DSU and a member of the Center of Excellence. Between students, faculty and administration, there are presently 51 palm-pilots being used on campus that belong to the Center of Excellence. As of this time, there are 39 members of the Center.