Laptop Requirement (updated 4/29/08)
Details
In 2005, universal computing was integrated throughout all Institute for Teacher Education (ITE) programs. Universal computing means that all students in all classes will have powerful software and Internet resources at their fingertips during and between instructional times. Your instructors can incorporate new learning methodologies, Internet research, multimedia, collaborative writing, and other computer-based resources in any classroom. Universal computing also improves and increases your communication access with colleagues and faculty.
This initiative requires that all ITE students bring a laptop computer to classes (as directed by instructors). Minimum specifications for the laptop are explained in the laptop standard:
2008 Laptop Standard & FAQ (MS Word document, with hyperlinks)
2008 Laptop Standard & FAQ
Similar projects at UH and other universities suggest:
- Ownership of computers improves students’ technology literacy;
- Students are more likely to integrate technology in their own teaching;
- Faculty and students communicate more frequently in this environment;
- Laptops provide access to software tools during student teaching;
- Graduates’ skills and marketability increase with universal computing;
- Students with laptops are “way ahead” in developing professional portfolios;
The College, via the faculty senate and its technology committee, approved a standard for these student laptops.
Configuring Laptops
Your laptop MUST be preconfigured with software stipulated in the Laptop Standard. The 2008 Laptop Standard allows any Office suite (OpenOffice.org, MS Office, etc.) that supports either Open Docuement Format (.odt, .ods, .odp) or legacy MS formats (.doc, .xls, .ppt). The software list in the "Laptop Standar & FAQ" above are linked to appropriate download sites.
Note: If you already have an antivirus program installed, do NOT load McAfee or any other antivirus program in addition. Use one or the other—or your laptop is likely to run much slower.
Technical Support
UH provides a robust help desk system, see http://www.hawaii.edu/help/ for hours, phone numbers, and other support. As of this writing, Tech support is available in Keller Hall from 8 to 4:30PM or at 956-8883.
Financial Help with Laptops
To obtain financial assistance for the laptop, you’ll need to apply for financial aid. Follow these steps:
- Apply online —do it early! (February is not too soon)
- Write to the Financial Aid office. State your program of study and request that the laptop be added to your cost of attendance. Currently, the budgeted cost addition is $1,140.
College of Education scholarships for a significant portion of the laptop cost are available for those who apply and qualify for financial aid, have unmet need, and have not declined loans. Criteria and instructions for seeking this assistance are included in this document:
The COE no longer provides a recommended Laptop. You may still visit the UH Bookstore for help in selecting an appopriate computer.