Inspire, Spring 2002

Inspire 7 W ith handheld personal computers catching on in popularity, educators are considering how devices such as Palm handhelds and Microsoft Pocket PCs may offer cost and size advantages over traditional notebook computers. A new pilot project at Cedarville University aims to discover if handheld PCs will be a positive, cost-effective choice for the Cedarville educational environment. Cedarville’s Handheld Computing Pilot Project distributed 100 Compaq Pocket PCs to select faculty members and students for use in early 2002. Liberal arts faculty and students used electronic copies of classic literature, dictionaries, and other search tools, while business faculty and students utilized special versions of Microsoft Word and Excel. Bible software was also built into each Pocket PC. Both groups used the Pocket PCs during class discussions as well as in receiving supplementary material, assignments, syllabi, etc. Cedarville will assess the project by reviewing student performance and student evaluations of instruction in both pilot and non-pilot class sections. Students from the pilot classes will be surveyed for their opinions on the technology. If handheld computers are found to enhance the educational experience, Cedarville will consider a campus-wide implementation. The University has a long history of commitment to information technology, as evidenced by its 1992 decision to network the campus and place a University-owned computer in every residence hall room. Currently, the University provides more than 1,100 computers in the residence halls in addition to the 800 computers in classrooms, laboratories, and offices. The University’s technology leadership has been recognized by EDUCAUSE and Yahoo! Internet Life. Emily Gayer, a junior nursing major from Mineral Wells, West Virginia, tries out a Compaq Pocket PC. Cedarville University distributed Pocket PCs to selected faculty and students in the Winter Quarter for a trial run. If handheld computers are found to enhance the educational experience, Cedarville will consider a campus-wide implementation. What’s That in Your Hand? Sold Out on Matters of the Heart I n an exciting sold-out conference event, more than 3,000 people gathered at Cedarville University February 1-2 for the Song of Solomon Conference. Tommy Nelson, senior pastor of Denton Bible Church in Texas, used the Song of Solomon to teach both singles and marrieds how they can love passionately, be loved in return, and see their love grow through the years. “For many people, the Song of Solomon is the mystery book of the Bible,” explained Tommy. “Based on what God knows about us, He has provided an instruction manual in the Song of Solomon with eight very enlightening, explicit, and highly practical chapters on the topics of love, sex, and intimacy.” With plenty of humor injected into his candid and practical advice, Tommy explained how to discern godly character traits in a potential mate, grow closer to a spouse while resolving conflicts, fan the fires of sexual intimacy, and enjoy deeper love, joy, and commitment through the years. In addition to sharing God’s perspectives on matters of the heart and mind, Tommy gave his testimony and presented the gospel. Cedarville University’s hope is that this conference helped win lives to Christ, set firm foundations for future marriages, and strengthened current marriages. For more information about the Song of Solomon Conference, visit www.thesongofsolomon.com . Jeremiah Speaks at Winter Enrichment Conference D r. David Jeremiah ’63 returned to Cedarville as the guest speaker for the 2002 Winter Enrichment Conference January 21-23. His series on “Facing the Giants in Your Life” provided practical teaching on fear, temptation, failure, doubt, and worry. On the first full day of the conference, David spoke to pastors from eight states in a special post- chapel message on discouragement. After lunch, David fielded questions from the 475 pastors. David is the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California. His radio broadcast, Turning Point, is heard on more than 900 radio outlets, and he has authored many books, including Slaying the Giants in Your Life, Escape the Coming Night, The Power of Encouragement, and Gift From God. To order audiocassettes of part or all of the conference, call CDR Radio at 1-800-333-0601.