Focus of these discussions need to be for an SDSU departmental or college unit as, at this time, this program would not be university-wide. Guidelines are currently being developed by Computing Services, ITS and ITC (subject to approval by Dr. C. Peterson) for implementation of this type of program by the above units.

1) If students are required to buy/lease a notebook computer, then the faculty will be required also to have and use a notebook computer?

All faculty would need to have (and use) notebooks in the classrooms if they expect the students to use them.

2) What are the training requirements for faculty, and how is this facilitated?

BVU had a year of faculty training prior to implementation. Departmental units should survey other universities to determine what is needed to enhance training for specific disciplines. Students will push faculty to catch up if they are not trained. Students will expect to use notebooks to facilitate communication. The Teaching Learning Center can be used as a faculty resource and training center to facilitate these requirements.

3) What are the student and faculty expectations for integration of this technology into class related applications?

One expectation is that use of this technology may hinder person-to-person communications. On the other hand, people who are reluctant to talk in class may be more likely to communication in a chat room or via e-mail.

Another expectation is that the technology be available when it is needed, whether that is during a class, at a common area, etc.

Faculty need to set "ground rules" as to appropriate use of technology in the classroom. Is instant messaging allowed during class or do students need to close their notebooks and listen? Training in the use of technology and non-technology needs to be addressed prior to implementation of such a program.

Faculty will expect to be able to send and receive information/assignments. This is the initial, if not primary, method of communication with students. This communication will be somewhat less flexible with wired connections as opposed to wireless connections. Use of a FAQ web page may help to answer initial questions.

Faculty need to be trained to balance the use of this technology with other appropriate teaching and learning methods and tools.

Expectation of use of wireless technology may determine where graduates of SDSU seek employment. Will they go where wireless technology is used or will they remain in the Midwest and push for implementation of such technology here?

4) What are the help desk requirements for faculty and students for a notebook program?

Need enough loaners/replacement computers available so that nobody goes without a computer. Turnaround time for repair needs to be short. People need to be trained as to how to treat a notebook computer so that repairs can be avoided. Remote sites need to be available for items such as charged replacement batteries.

Discussion followed as to whether more than one help desk was required. The best option for a campus our size seemed to be one or more help desks with a larger centralized repair facility.

Another expectation is that there must be enough server space for backups. Note that backup and archive are different space issues.

Help desk and Repair center staff need to be trained in customer service skills. Discussion as to whether some (or all) help desk and repair center staff need to be certified. This is dependent on what the notebook vendor requires so as not to void warranties. Not all BVU help desk students were certified in Gateway notebook repair.

5) How is hardware support for the student (and faculty) handled?

Much of this was discussed above. In addition to that, 10 minute diagnostic check with loaner available and standardization of hardware and software were discussed.

6) How is software support for the student (and faculty) handled?

Supported software would be installed from image. A network drive for backup should be available. Additional space would be available upon justification. Help desk would have available and be trained on specialty (discipline specific) software. Other specialty software might be installed during class or available for download.

7) How pervasive must wireless networking of physical network connections be?

Connections must be available in general-purpose areas such as library, union, etc. Wireless may be less expensive but have coverage drawbacks. It does allow for the elimination of some labs from which the budget can be used to support the notebook related services.

8) What are the training requirements for students and how is this facilitated?

Video training at the time of pickup and user agreement signing was suggested. A lot of peer training, formally and informally is expected. Training classes and training in class.

9) What are options for providing notebooks for part-time students (and non-majors)?

Pay for use/lease of equipment. Checkout situation and computer availability in remaining labs. Determine how are computers made available for summer camps and short-term use?

10) What are the financial/financial aid implications for students?

Financial aid is available to cover the cost of notebooks if the department requires them. BVU was not concerned about initial decrease in enrollment, and actually experienced an increase in enrollment. BVU staff think better students are recruited to BVU after implementation of the notebook computer requirement.

11) What are funding options for these computers?

Financial aid. 70% of high school students begin college with some type of computer. Leasing or outright purchase are options. The flexibility of the leasing company contract has to be carefully considered (buyout price after 1-2 semesters).

12) In general, what are the advantages of such a requirement? Disadvantages?

Access to information anywhere/anytime.

Standardization

Communication – perception of increased communication

Perception of education quality. Prestige in the marketplace.

Disadvantages are:

Cost

Responsibility for notebooks

Deductible on insurance policy

13) How can SDSU benefit from majors, departments, or colleges having such a notebook requirement for students?

Increase in enrollment due to perceived benefits.

Standardization for support and infrastructure.

Departments much adhere to standards.

Equip students with what they need (information technology literacy).

There will be problems with some departments have the requirement and others not having one (students outside the major taking courses). Service courses need a university-wide requirement.

Other?

Classroom desks would have to be changed to better facilitate the use of notebooks. The current sidearm chairs, and seats in large lecture halls would make typing on notebook computers difficult.

Access to electrical power in the classrooms and public areas would be required for recharging batteries that run out in the middle of class.

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Views of Buena Vista University's Laptop Program

(photos by David Alexander and Larry Porter).