What is a tablet PC?
The tablet PC has all the functionality of a regular laptop. In addition, the screen pivots to become an electronic notepad on which you can write with a stylus. It is wireless-equipped so that students will be able to access the internet from any of our classrooms or even outside on the quad. Students will also be able to download any of the specialized software for which the School of Mines has site licenses.
What else is inlcuded in the Tablet PC program?
MSOffice, DyKnow and Virus software are included. In addition, wireless access points will be added (and maintained) and there will be battery stations around campus to swap out run-down batteries. The program also has a dedicated campus technician to keep all the machines
up and running.
Will students be trained on the how to use the tablet PCs?
Yes, training sessions will be setup for incoming students (most likely during orientation). Other students needing training will be able to get it at the beginning of the semester.
When will I recieve my tablet PC?
The first week of classes.
Will I have wireless access everwhere on campus?
We plan to increase the number of wireless access points so that your tablet would never lose its wireless connection on campus. That means you
could work with a group of students out in the quad on the grass if you so chose. Any classroom would be a computer lab of sorts since all students would have a network connection
and a tablet.
Will there be a fee for wireless access on campus or in the dorms?
No.
What is the benefit of Tablet PC program over students purchasing their own laptops?
If the students own the laptop, the School of Mines is no longer allowed to supply any site licensed software to that machine. Also, students would not be allowed
access to the state network (where all the servers reside), so they would basically only have access to the internet and nothing else. Having the university own the laptops and lease
them to the students solves all those problems.
What is the benefit to everyone having the same laptop?
Standardizing to one brand of laptop allows the School of Mines to have spare parts, battery stations, spare machines, and so on. in our tech shop
so that if anything failed on a laptop, we could get the student another working laptop within minutes instead of weeks.
Will the tablet come with a keyboard?
Yes, the tablets we are looking at are convertible tablets where the screen rotates to turn into a tablet. They have a standard keyboard and mouse
input pad just like a regular laptop. (See Specs for the Gateway M280E)
What software will be installed? How will specific programs needed for courses be handled?
The basic install will come with Windows XP, and Office XP with Frontpage. There will also be Virus software installed, as well as plugins for
web browsers. Specific departmental programs and additional programs would then be downloaded by the student from a software server on the network.
Can I load my own software?
Yes, anything that can be loaded onto a regular PC can be loaded onto the tablet PC.
How will students print from their tablet PCs on campus?
We are working on solutions so that any tablet PC could print to any computer lab printer.
Can I connect to my own printer?
Yes.
How will a students back up files and special programs in the event of machine or hard drive failures?
The machine will come with either a CD burner or DVD burner. You will also be able to maintain an H: drive on the network of 300 Mb.
Can a student gain access to the network and software from his or her personal computer?
Only students using tablet PCs will have access to the software and network. Other wireless capable computers will only have access to the Internet.
What will happen to the current campus PC labs?
Three major computer labs will still be maintained for intensive applications like Autocad, Solidworks, and so on. Phasing out our smaller computer labs during the next four years will allow us to save money and minimize the need to raise student fees.
How will technology be integrated into classes?
Many instructors have already begun putting their material on WebCT, and we will continue to train faculty members and help them get their course
content out there. Tablet PCs will allow students to download the day’s lecture and highlight and take notes right in the electronic documents.
Can the laptop substitute for note taking and homework traditionally done on engineering graph paper?
Yes, very easily. And it would also then be placed into a directory on your machine so that you could easily find and retrieve older notes,
labs, and so on.
Will typing and computer alerts be a distraction in class?
Since the tablets can use the stylus (pen), typing can be kept to a minimum. Faculty members will also monitor their classes and ask students to close their screens or turn off the sound when appropriate.
What if I need to refer to my notes or an instructor's example?
The advantage of the tablet PC over traditional chalkboard and notes is that all of the writing on the tablet with the stylus is saved just as written. It can be converted into text, but doesn’t need to be. Therefore
all notes taken in your handwriting can be saved to review at any time.
Is it easy to erase things I've written on the tablet screen ?
There is an eraser icon that allows you to erase any portion of the writing.
Does the laptop have handwriting conversion? How well does it work?
Yes, and it works extremely well with no teaching involved. It has some issues with upper and lower case if you don’t always use the same sized letters
when you write, but it is very good.
How has the university prepared to implement the Tablet PC program?
We have piloted the Tablet PC program and have been ramping up for this initiative for many years. This includes getting the wireless network, academic software,
and other things in place so that the program will be successful from the start. There will also be many training sessions to keep instructors up to speed with this new tool.
What is the cost of the Tablet PC program?
At present we estimate that the cost of the program will be spread over three years through a student fee of approximately $375 per semester. Since this is a required fee, financial
aid can be used to cover this cost. This number may change depending on the payment structure we use.
Can I use the laptop during summer and breaks?
Yes.
What if my tablet PC is damaged?
There will be a technician on hand to assist in maintenance and warranty issues. There will be a supply of extra parts and loaner machines so you will never be without.
What happens at the end of the three years? How will students be able to keep up with technology improvements and greater demands of software?
If a student needs a faster machine, he or she can enter back into the program and receive the latest technology at that time.
What happens in year four and later?
Students turn inthe tablet to Tablet Central in the basement of the Library.
What happens when I leave the School of Mines?
Any time a student leaves he or she must turn it in the tablet computer to the program technician in the basement of the Library at Tablet Central.
What if I am an upperlevel student taking a lower-level class during the the phase-in years?
There would be a library of laptops available to rent for students. We are still working out the details on this issue.
Who can I contact with additional questions or for more information?
Our Director of ITS, Bryan Schumacher, is available to take your questions. You can email him at Bryan.Schumacher@sdsmt.edu. |
