Information Technology Priority Projects List Phase I

Comparison of Computer Ownership Requirement Options

Prepared by John Kalkbrenner, Bill Francis and Mark Miller

February 12, 2001

 

In "Information Technology Priority Projects List Phase I" we stated that, in our opinion, establishing a requirement for student ownership of or access to a standard laptop computer is the single most important first step toward achieving the strategic technology goals of the College.  The Phase I Priority Projects List included discussion of what we believe is the best approach for implementing a requirement for student ownership/access.  However, in the development of that recommendation, and in discussions subsequent to its publication, there have been a few other approaches that have been discussed that are viable alternatives.

 

We thought a simple comparison of a few of the options might help clarify the issues involved in a student computer requirement and promote a meaningful discussion of which approach could work best for the College.  In what follows we compare three ownership options -- a mandatory lease program for laptop computers, a mandatory purchase program for laptop computers, and a mandatory computer purchase requirement.  For comparison purposes, we also include the option to maintain the status quo of no computer requirement, which permits students who wish to have a computer of their own the flexibility to bring any computer that they chose.  We will briefly describe the general characteristics of each option.  The document finishes with a table comparing each option on a number of factors that would seem to be important when deciding whether to adopt a mandatory computer requirement for our students.

 

Option A: Laptop Computer Lease Program

 

This option is the one recommended in the "Information Technology Priority Projects List Phase I."  With this option, the College would establish a requirement for student access to a single, standard laptop computer.  Presumably through a multi-year arrangement with a computer manufacturer, the College would implement a program that provides all students with a leased notebook computer beginning with the fall semester of 2001. 

 

The program should include arrangements with a national computer manufacturer for the lease of a sufficient number of computers to provide each Grinnell College student with the use of a laptop computer.  The arrangements should include provision for complete replacement of computers every three years.  Continuing students will be included in the laptop program.  All computers would be pre-configured with a standard suite of application software prior to delivery to students.  Costs of the program could be offset by a student fee or through an increase in the comprehensive fee.  This program would result in 100% student access to a laptop computer for the fall 2001 semester.

 

There would be a standard suite of software provided with each computer under this option.

 

This program could also be used to provide faculty and staff members with laptop computers, where the need exists.

 

Option B: Laptop Computer Purchase Requirement

 

Another option that has been discussed is to require computer ownership.  Under this option, the College would devise standards for laptop computers that must be met by all incoming students.  It would be the responsibility of the student to arrive on campus with a computer that meets the standards.  The College would not provide the computers.

 

The laptop standard could include multiple platforms, e.g., Windows PC and Macintosh.

 

Under this option, the move to the laptop requirement would probably be phased.  Only new students would be expected to meet the requirement for the fall of 2001.  Continuing students would be permitted to maintain their present computer capability, should they wish to do so.  This would result in complete student ownership no later than the fall 2004 semester.

 

There should be a standard suite of software specified for purchase under this option.

 

Option C: Computer Purchase Requirement -- Laptop or Desktop

 

This option represents a slight variation from Option B.  With this option, however, desktop computers would be specified.  Students would be required to arrive on campus with a computer that meets the defined standards.  However, the standards would now include both laptop computers and desktop computers.  The program would be implemented with new students arriving for the fall 2001 semester, and it would be phased in over four years.

 

There should be a standard suite of software specified for purchase under this option.

 

Option D: No Purchase or Access Requirement

 

This option would maintain the current arrangement for providing students access to computers on campus.  Students wishing to do so could purchase computers to bring to campus.  Computers meeting the minimum requirements for residential networking could be connected to the campus network.  Students not bringing computers to campus would continue to rely upon the general-purpose computer labs provided by the College.

 

A standard suite of programs would be recommended for students.

 

We presently have about 800 students who live in college residences whose personally owned computers are connected to ResNet, the residential network.

 

Comparison of Options for Computer Requirements

 

The following table identifies a number of factors that affect the decision to require student ownership of or access to computers on the Grinnell College campus.

 

Information Technology Priority Projects List

Computer Ownership Requirement Options A through D

Comparison of Ownership Option Characteristics

 

 

	Option A: Leased Laptops	Option B: Required Laptop Purchase	Option C: Required Computer Purchase	Option D: No Computer Requirement
ACADEMIC FACTORS
Enhance teaching & learning with technology	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Leverage academic applications	Yes	Yes, but greater with single platform standard	Yes, but greater with single platform standard	No
Assure compatibility (with faculty and other students)	Yes	Only with single platform standard	Only with single platform standard	No
Standard application suite (word processor, spreadsheet, email client, browser, collaboration tools, chat, etc.)	Yes	Most beneficial with single platform standard.  Partial compatibility probable with multiple platform standard.	Most beneficial with single platform standard.  Partial compatibility probable with multiple platform standard	No
Leverage information literacy and computer training programs for students	Yes	Yes, but to lesser degree with multi-platform standard	Yes, but to lesser degree with multi-platform standard	No
Facilitate strategic goal to provide "numerous and diverse" opportunities for students to develop technical skills and competencies	Yes	Yes, but to lesser degree with multi-platform standard	Yes, but to lesser degree with multi-platform standard	No
Any time/ any place computing (Leverage wireless network)	Yes	Yes	No	No
Same computers/uniform access across class years	Yes	No (standard configuration probably changes year to year)	No (standard configuration probably changes year to year)	No
Fairness issue: Impact on current students (student ownership)	Negative for some	Negative for some	Probably none	None
Fairness issue: Eliminates digital divide	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Enhance college's technology profile	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Leverage portal	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
SUPPORT CASE
Single platform standard	Probably	Not likely	Not likely	No
Needed support from ITS staff	Least (with single platform standard)	More than option A	Similar to Option B	Most support of four options
Permits reduction/elimination of general purpose computer labs	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Possible to include faculty and staff office needs in program	Yes	No	No	No
BUSINESS CASE
Eligible for financial aid to assist students with costs	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Probably increase financial aid costs	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Cost recovery possible through fees	Yes	No	No	Yes
Students own computers	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Financial benefit to college by leveraged student ownership	Yes	Yes	Yes	No