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- Why did CCSU adopt a mandatory notebook policy?
- In January 1998,
through the Information Technology Project (ITP), Clayton College & State
University became the third public university in the nation wherein all
students and faculty were equipped with notebook computers. The University
believed that having all students using notebook computers as a part of the
learning process their education would be enhanced as well as position CCSU
students in the job market ahead of those who did not have the same type of
experience with computers.
Since that time, the
program has developed into an unqualified success in its most important
measure -- the improvement of the learning and teaching process at Clayton
State. A survey of students and faculty taken in the fall of 2000
found that more than three-quarters of those polled said that ITP
enhanced learning at Clayton State. Furthermore, ITP won national
recognition, including a Pioneer Award from the Fourth Annual Conference on
Ubiquitous Computing.
- What were some of the problems with ITP?
- Even with the
program's success, there were clearly aspects of ITP that were not popular
with its most important audience -- Clayton State students. The technology
fee was $300 per semester. Students expressed that they would prefer to
purchase their own notebook and pay a reduced technology fee. At graduation
or for a semester that a student was not enrolled, the student had to return
the notebook computer to the university. The students were also responsible
for any physical damage that occurred to the computer while it was checked
out to them. After more than three years of listening to student comments
about how to improve ITP, Clayton State announced ITP Choice.
- What was the reaction when CCSU announced that ITP was
changing and what are the benefits of ITP Choice?
- Clayton State
maintained its commitment to technologically enhance learning and teaching
through ubiquitous mobile computing on campus by continuing its requirement
that all students have access to a notebook computer. However, under ITP
Choice, students have the freedom of choice... in selecting a notebook
computer and in selecting an Internet Service Provider (ISP). A reduced
technology fee, $38, was also implemented. Students were overwhelmingly
pleased with these changes.
Some of the other
aspects of ITP Choice are as follows:
*Clayton State
established faculty-approved minimum hardware/software requirements
for notebooks. These are updated annually.
* Students are
required to state that they have on demand access to a notebook that meets those
requirements before registering for class.
* Students have a
variety of options, including ownership of a new notebook, ownership of a
used notebook, ownership of a refurbished notebook, using an already-owned
notebook, or leasing, sharing or renting a notebook to meet the minimum
requirements.
A list of preferred (but not required) vendors of notebooks is posted for student information on the
ITP Choice notebook configuration web page. The HUB will continue to provide hardware and software service to Clayton State students and assists all students with software and hardware problems if their machines are under warranty and the HUB is certified to service those machines by the vendor.
Although the University no longer provides students with an ISP, Clayton State continues to provide an electronic post office e-mail address for each student, and student class mailing lists as was provided in ITP.
ITP Choice provides students with a second location of the HUB. This location, Student Software Support Services, provides students an area to come for individual assistance,installation of the Microsoft Campus Agreement Software and course specific software for student notebooks. Faculty do not recieve services on their notebooks from this location. However this location works closely with faculty to provide workshops and individual assistance so that the educational process is enhanced through the use of technology.
Clayton State hosts a Technology Fair for preferred notebook vendors annually during the summer semester -- wherein hardware alternatives will be clearly defined, positives and negatives of alternative machines explained, and specific product examples shown.
After a review of income and expenses associated with the technology fee, a committee composed of students, faculty and staff determined that an increase was necessary. The technology fee was increasd to $50 fall semester 2005.
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What is your vision of the future for ubiquitous computing and Clayton State?
- Please send your comments to The HUB
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