Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ):
Why does my program require a laptop?
I already have a desktop PC, do I also need a laptop?
Is there a recommended laptop?
I already own a laptop, can I use it?
How much will this cost?
I can’t afford a laptop
Is my different Word Processor OK?
Is wireless Internet access available?
Why is a standard necessary?
Why a Windows standard?
Why does my program require
a laptop?
The faculty in your
program made a decision that Internet and software access are an important
part of the teaching process in your program. The laptop requirement
allows you and your instructor access to a rich array of Internet content
from most classrooms and all College of Education facilities. The College
expects this requirement to result in higher technology literacy, more
technology integration in your teaching, more effective portfolio development,
effective use of software and hardware (such as digital still or video
cameras), and better teaching. For a discussion of other “ubiquitous
computing” initiatives, see this article online: http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/erm0331.pdf
Back to top
I already have a desktop
PC, do I also need a laptop?
Much of the teaching/learning
benefit of this requirement results from universal access to software
and Internet in class, between classes, at home, in coffee shops, and
elsewhere. You need a laptop.
Back to top
Is there a recommended
laptop?
There will be a recommended
laptop available through the UH-Manoa bookstore. Our goal is that it
will come completely preconfigured. The College, in conjunction with
a vendor, will provide“best effort” technical assistance
to users who obtain this laptop. Volume sales, pre-configuration, and
nearby assistance will make this laptop a best bet for students. Pre-configuration
means that an Email client program will already be installed and “aimed”
at the UH mail server, McAfee antivirus will be installed and updated
daily, the wireless card will be configured for UH wireless access,
etc. Details should be available by January 2005.
Back to top
I already own a laptop,
can I use it?
If your laptop meets
the minimum hardware and software requirements in this standard, you
are all set. If you do not have Microsoft Office XP or later (Word,
PowerPoint and Excel), you will need to purchase and install it. Make
certain to ask for a teacher/student version, the price is reduced ($130-150).
You must have the additional software and plug-ins installed correctly
as well. If you purchase or lease the recommended laptop, the College
provides a help desk and assistance in resolving technical problems.
Be advised that if you bring a any other laptop, technical support is
not available through the College.
Back to top
How much will this cost?
Because you are free
to choose any laptop that meets the standard, this is impossible to
define with certainty. To give you some idea, there have been appropriate
laptops advertised during mid-2004 for as little as $800 (on sale, after
rebates). Microsoft Office Student/Teacher version is another $149 at
the UH Manoa bookstore (maybe less elsewhere ie. Costco). More powerful
configurations would cost more. If you do not choose the recommended
laptop described above, make sure to shop around.
Back to top
I can’t afford a
laptop
Because the laptop is
required, you ask the Financial Aid office to include it in your “cost
of attendance”. This allows many students who could not previously
afford a computer to own one during their studies. Apply for financial
aid (http://www.hawaii.edu/fas/) early! The College
is funding new scholarships through the Financial Aid Office to address
this project. Students with unmet financial need and who have not declined
loans may receive a scholarship for a significant portion of the laptop.
Back to top
Is my different Word Processor OK?
You must have the version
of Microsoft Word listed. While there are many good word processors
on the market, the current market standard (and Hawai`i Department of
Education standard) is Microsoft Word. In order to ensure that your
classmates and instructors can readily read your files, the College
has also adopted this standard. WordPerfect, Microsoft Works, and other
word processors do NOT meet this requirement – even if you “save
as” a Word file.
Back to top
Is wireless Internet access
available?
All College of Education
buildings have 802.11b/g wireless access. Standards for wireless network
cards, instructions for logon, and an (almost) up-to-date coverage map
are available here: http://www.hawaii.edu/wireless/
Back to top
Why is a standard necessary?
The focus of this requirement
is to augment teaching and learning processes. Without a standard, the
addition of universal computing would quickly get bogged down with technical
questions, conflicts, incompatibilities, and frustrations. While a standard
may seem limiting or frustrating, experience and research from many
other institutions strongly endorse standardization. Faculty can be
assured that everyone can load and access software (especially freeware
or shareware) they choose to incorporate in class.
Back to top
Why a Windows standard?
There are pros and cons
to every operating system, however Windows was chosen for several important
reasons. There is more education-related software available for Windows
and new software is typically written first for Windows. The Hawai`i
Department of Education is standardizing all administrative computers
(including one for every teacher) on Windows
Back to top
