ERIC Number: EJ1002161
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-6434
EISSN: N/A
Are Handheld Computers Dependable? A New Data Collection System for Classroom-Based Observations
Adiguzel, Tufan; Vannest, Kimberly J.; Parker, Richard I.
Journal of Special Education Technology, v24 n4 p31-46 2009
Very little research exists on the dependability of handheld computers used in public school classrooms. This study addresses four dependability criteria--reliability, maintainability, availability, and safety--to evaluate a data collection tool on a handheld computer. Data were collected from five sources: (1) time-use estimations by 19 special education teachers using handheld computers, (2) observations of time use from eight external data collectors, (3) teacher interviews, (4) technical reports, and (5) teacher satisfaction surveys. Results indicate that this data collection tool satisfied all four dependability criteria. The study also confirms that dependable handheld computers can replace paper-based data collection in educational settings. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Handheld Devices, Computer Uses in Education, Data Collection, Observation, Reliability, Special Education Teachers, Time Management, Interviews, Teacher Surveys
Technology and Media Division of the Council for Exceptional Children. 2900 Crystal Drive Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22202. e-mail: contactus@tamcec.org; Web site: http://www.tamcec.org/jset
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A