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Rensselaer Mobile Computing Program Survey Analysis

Overview, laptop requirement history, student survey results, conclusions, and changes to consider for Rensselaer's Mobile Computing Program. Enhancing learning and collaboration through technology.

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Rensselaer Mobile Computing Program Survey Analysis

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  1. MobileComputing Program at RensselaerLaptop Survey – Spring 2003 Mark Miller Myra Williams http://www.rpi.edu/dept/arc/thinktank/thinktank2003.ppt

  2. Rensselaer Overview • Educates the leaders of tomorrow for technologically based careers • 5,100 Undergraduate / 1,700 Graduate • Programs – Architecture, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Management and Technology, Science, Information Technology

  3. Mobile Computing Overview • Laptop required for all undergraduate students • Rensselaer offers a standard model including software at an excellent price (new model each year) • Students can purchase, lease, or bring their own • Laptops used inside and outside of class • http://www.rpi.edu/laptops/

  4. Laptop Requirement History • 1995-1997 3-year voluntary pilot program • 1998 highly recommended - IBM ThinkPad 600 • 1999 required of all freshmen – IBM ThinkPad 600E • 2000 second year of requirement – IBM ThinkPad T20 • 2001 first refresh with return of 1999 leased systems – IBM ThinkPad T22 • 2002 full deployment – IBM ThinkPad T30

  5. Mobile Computing Program (MCP) Today • Fourth year of Mobile Computer Program – ramp up completed • All undergraduate students required to have a laptop • About 5,500 laptops on campus

  6. Classroom Utilization

  7. Laptop Models

  8. Issues • Are laptops used for upper level classes? • Is a technology refresh necessary? • What is the student perspective after 4 years? • How is the Mobile Computing Program doing? • How should we change the MCP in the future?

  9. Student Survey - Process • Committee developed questions • WebCT on-line survey given in freshmen calculus classes • Paper surveys given in selected senior level classes • Paper data manually entered using Excel • On-line and paper data combined • 858 responses returned • Analyze data

  10. Student Profile 27% Female 73% Male

  11. Laptop Profile 93% purchase or lease from Mobile Computing Program. Over 40% of 1999 students upgraded.

  12. Courses and Laptops

  13. Q18 - Laptop Performance

  14. Q17 – Desktop at RPI

  15. Q37 – Comments Number of unsolicited comments out of 858 surveys ** - comments similar to those from Spring 2000 survey

  16. Q37 – Comments (cont) Number of unsolicited comments out of 858 surveys ** - comments similar to those from Spring 2000 survey

  17. Student Comments Take Away • Want laptop models tailored for their department, both hardware and software • Want more choices – IBM models, Macs, options • Laptops are a distraction in class • Want more wireless network coverage • Electronic Arts and Architecture students feel they need a desktop (memory, video, hard disk)

  18. Conclusions • Laptop technology enhances learning, collaboration, and workplace skills • Students satisfied with the Mobile Computing Program but want options • Laptops need to be used more in upper level classes • Students from some departments question value of laptop mobility versus desktop power and cost

  19. Changes to Consider • Multiple vendors, multiple models • Expand and tailor software offerings • Standard software preinstalled, students install department specific software as they need it • Make laptop refresh automatic • Increase wireless network coverage • Increase laptop usage in upper level classes

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