Mac or Macbook Pro? Lenovo or Dell? Who has the best sale on software? These are all questions Mobile Learning students at Durham College will have to answer next year.
Last week the decision to change the Mobile Learning program was made final. Beginning next year, Durham students will be required to buy their own laptops and software, rather than leasing them from the school. The change does not apply to UOIT students.
Martin Harris, director of Instructional Computing and Media Services, said students can benefit from this change. As well as giving students ownership of their equipment, he believes many students will be able to save money.
“Students will be able to choose what they want or don’t want on their laptops,” said Harris. “Some programs might not be necessary, so students have a chance to save money by not purchasing that software.”
Harris warned that an issue might arise if students try to go without too many programs. He said if students do not have the right equipment or software, it would be as if they went to class without the proper textbook. Information will be provided from the college to ensure all students have the correct software, based on what program they are in.
Although the majority of software will have to be purchased from a retailer, depending on the program, the college might still have to provide software in some cases. Harris said one example is that some programs can only be licensed to an institute, so students will have to go through the school for those.
He said students who are currently in the middle of a mobile learning program have the option to purchase their laptop from the school for a discounted price. This price will not be the $1 option, but it will cover the costs that still need to be covered on the equipment. Otherwise they can buy their own from a vendor.
On the other hand, if students have been in school for at least two years, and are graduating, they do have the option to buy their laptop, without software on it, for one dollar.
Since the Mobile Learning program is switching gears slightly, the Durham College IT Services will be changing as well. Harris said they will still provide help and support, but depending on repairs, students may have to pay to get their laptop fixed. As well, if a student needs a loaner computer, there will be a nominal fee.
“It would probably be based on a price per day,” said Harris. “We will charge as little as possible. We will not be making a profit on that equipment, just covering costs.”
Students might want to keep in mind that the technicians at the help desk are only certified to repair certain equipment, which are Lenovo, Apple or Toshiba. If students choose to buy something different, the technicians can offer advice and take a look at the machine, but the student will have to go elsewhere to get it repaired.
So, what will students be paying as a mobile fee now? Besides the IT fee which is included in every student’s tuition, Harris said he would like to see no mobile fees.
Unless there is the odd program, which will require more software on the laptops, students will probably not have to pay a mobile learning fee.
The next step in this process is feedback from students, Harris said. He is eager to hear what students think of the new policy and how to make this as smooth as possible. He encourages students to e-mail or contact the help desk with their feedback.
Judy Robinson, vice-president, academic for Durham College, said this decision was the result of a review of the Mobile Learning program. As well, the Student Association approached her and recommended a change.
“In 2008, the student voice on this matter became much more prominent,” Robinson said. “This is in response to students who have showed their dissatisfaction with the current program.”
A mobile review committee was put together after the school underwent a program quality assurance process audit in April 2008.
During that time, the whole school was reviewed, and the results of student focus groups showed that the Mobile Learning program needed to be adjusted.
The committee members included IT technicians, the deans of the programs that are a part of Mobile Learning, and student representation.
Robinson feels that a change is necessary at this time. She said when the program began eight years ago, it was unique and set Durham College apart, but now laptops have become so common, students are easily able to purchase their own.
By February 2010, Harris hopes that a lot of the kinks and details in the decision will be worked out, and students will receive information on what type of equipment and software they will need to buy.
