An electronic organiser is a compact, portable and convenient way to manage information such as appointments, dates, reminders, work lists, activities and important contact details such as phone numbers. An electronic organiser has a reminding function so that you can set reminders which are then signalled by an alert. Like calendars or diaries, electronic organisers also allow you to plan work tasks, provide reminders for meetings and appointments, store ‘to do’ lists to help manage your workload and organise your time. Electronic organisers are available with a range of memory capacities and functions, with models available to allow accessibility via keyboard, touch screen, speech or braille.
Personal Digital Assistants or PDA’s are another type of electronic organiser with all the features of an organiser with the added mobile communication capacities of a mobile phone. For models with a wireless modem, email and internet capacities are also available. Some models may also have capacity for programs to formulate documents and spreadsheets, with a synchronising facility to allow information transfer between organiser and personal computer on return to the office. PDA’s are available with touch screen access, keyboard access or braille access.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people who have memory or learning difficulties and have trouble remembering appointments, phone numbers or structuring tasks, electronic organisers may be of assistance in the workplace. Most computers also come with standard software including an appointment or diary function which can be used as an alternative to a portable organiser.
For people working away from the office and needing access to email and internet, access to documents, online diaries, schedules and phone numbers a PDA may be more appropriate. For people who are blind or have low vision, electronic organisers/PDA’s are now available with braille input and speech output.
For more information about other similar products and strategies to overcome organisational and planning difficulties, see the links below:
References
Ferreras, A. et al 2010, PDA Software Aimed at Improving Workplace Adaptation for People with Cognitive Disabilities, Computers helping people with special needs, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Volume 6180/2010, p 13-20, viewed 12 May 2011, http://www.springerlink.com/content/b834321q55p00541/
PC World 2009, PDA Buying Guide, IDG Communications, North Sydney, viewed 12 May 2011, http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/200986/pda_buying_guide/?
Quantum 2011, PAC Mate Omni BX, Quantum Technology, Sydney, viewed 12 May 2011, http://www.quantumrlv.com.au/default.asp?PageNo=134
Roche, J & Hanlon, J. 2008, Top 5 PDA-phones, CBS Interactive, California, viewed 12 May 2011, http://www.cnet.com.au/top-5-pda-phones-240003981.htm
Sharp 2011, Pen Based Models, Sharp Corporation of Australia, Online, viewed 12 May 2011, http://www.sharp.net.au/product-catalogue/products/ZQP10AB/