The iPAC technology enables schools to deliver distance education using mobile devices. Although this is not new, the iPAC, along with online applications, allows students to learn course content, submit assignments and communicate with faculty and fellow students online. An iPAC-enabled class gives students opportunities to learn through interactive environments that include real-time chat, sound, video, graphics and text-based content. Students access the materials on-demand or from thorough content libraries of materials uploaded by the teacher.
A stimulated learning environment that uses the iPAC technology provides students with numerous real-world applications and examples at their fingertips. Courses that are traditionally taught in a classroom typically use a limited number of examples provided by the textbook and teacher; mobile classrooms expose students to interconnected, subject-based Web resources that contain unlimited resources. Technology that allows for learning anytime and anywhere can engage students more than the traditional classroom that meets a few times a week. "Anywhere" education is a viable choice for students who work full-time, adult students returning to school and for those excited by newer technology in relation to learning.
Handheld devices are more compact and lightweight than traditional learning tools such as textbooks, computer systems and lab equipment. An iPAC-enabled classroom gives students access to a dedicated server that stores e-books for content, storage for assignments and emailing and e-conferencing for exchanges. The iPAC technology is a step up from traditional distance education that involves videotapes, text-based email and course websites. Through a handheld device such as Compaq's iPAC, students can carry an entire semester or year of course content, a real-time and email-based communication system, an interactive grading system that tracks their progress and access to their student records at the school.
Traditionally, students who need help or tutoring on subjects need to physically visit a tutoring center on campus. For working students with busy lives, obtaining necessary tutoring is difficult, and for some impossible, to squeeze in. For example, many colleges often offer tutoring services for students in mathematics, but few students can actually attend the hours offered by the college. Online tutoring services provides the college with a way of offering tutoring to more students without reserving physical space on the campus. So, online tutoring sessions become a cost-effective way to help students complete their course requirements. For students, online tutoring services obtained through an iPAC pocket PC provide the flexibility and portability needed to get help in courses.