Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Chamberlain, Melissa Irene
URN	etd-11132006-160136
Title	Nursing Student's Perceptions of the Usefulness and Ease of Use of Personal Digital Assistant Technology in the Classroom and Clinical Setting
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Nursing, School of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Laurie Grubbs Committee Chair Kathleen Williamson Committee Member Linda Sullivan Committee Member Vickie Barth Committee Member
Keywords	PDA Technology Nurisng Students Education Personal Digital Assistant
Date of Defense	2006-11-01
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are handheld devices that combine computing, telephone/fax, Internet and networking features. PDAs can be loaded with all types of reference material to be utilized in many situations. Currently many schools of nursing are requiring students to purchase these devices in addition to other reference materials. Before integrating this technology into programs of nursing, it is important to gain understanding of student perceptions regarding usefulness and ease of use of PDA technology in the classroom and clinical setting, as well as general attitudes to computer use. The purpose of this study was to identify nursing students’ perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of PDAs in the classroom and clinical setting, and their overall attitudes toward computers. A convenience sample of 54 senior nursing students was obtained from a university in the southeastern Florida region. Data were obtained with the use of a demographic form and survey form. The overall findings, consistent with previous studies, indicated the students perceive PDA technology to be useful and easy to use. The overall attitude toward computer use was positive, with the majority of the students accessing the Internet 1-20 or more times daily. Continuing research on identifying student perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of PDAs and attitudes toward computer use will benefit Colleges of Nursing who would like to integrate this technology into the classroom and clinical setting.
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