A PDA-based interface for a computer supported educational system

Abstract

We present a teacher interface for a computer supported educational system that we are developing. This interface was developed over a PDA with wireless network connectivity to be carried by the teacher into the classroom. The first prototype implemented an interface with a virtual keyboard and mouse in order to remotely manage the classroom server and its peripherals. Additionally other features were included, such a remote video projector control and an agenda application. However, users had problems with regard to direct text introduction and mouse sensibility. Knowledge of the domain was acquired from experts in the field of education, and as a result, a new set of project requirements were defined and a second version of the interface has been developed. Its task-oriented design improves usability through minimizing the need for a virtual keyboard and mouse utilization. This system is currently in use in two classrooms in our university.