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Wesleyan Renews Its Commitment to Technology in Education
released: 4/2/04
West Virginia Wesleyan recently reaffirmed the College's commitment to technology in education by restructuring its program that gives all students a laptop computer as one of their key educational tools. Beginning in the fall of 2004, students will purchase Dell laptop computers and faculty will be working with new Dells as well, taking Wesleyan's seven-year-old technology program to new levels.

Before making the revisions to the laptop program, the College leased computers from IBM on a two or three year basis. The computers were distributed to students for their use while at the College. At the end of the two or three-year period, student computers were "refreshed" with the distribution of new computers. At the end of the student's college career, the laptop was returned as part of the lease terms. One of the key changes in the revised program allows students to keep their laptop when they graduate.

Dr. Karen Petitto, Instructional Technology Specialist, was an early advocate for the technology program and its benefits. "We wanted to extend every possible opportunity for our students to learn effectively, and to have access to resources otherwise unavailable to them. By providing hardware, software, electronic research tools, and technical support, Wesleyan is able to provide a very unique experience for students. By doing so, students can communicate with professors, classmates, and access off-campus resources any time during the day or night. The mobile computer combined with Wesleyan's electronic library resources offer students access to primary resources and thousands of databases and full-text research journals. This aids in their growth as individuals, researchers, and communicators, while increasing their chances of success in the post-graduate world."

In restructuring the technology program, Wesleyan considered many factors. First and foremost, the needs of the College's constituents were considered. By conducting focus groups, the College was able to determine those needs and then search for solutions meeting those requirements. Several vendors were invited to campus to interact with students and demonstrate their computers. The vendors were then rated on a variety of important items, including: cost, warranty, support, and features to determine which computer would best suit the majority of needs.

"It has been seven years since our program began, and it was time to reevaluate student needs," remarked Duwane Squires, Chief Information Officer. "Our technology program has come a long way, and we have worked hard to ensure that it grows and changes with the needs of our students and changes in the computer industry. The changes in our laptop program will allow students more flexibility, and most importantly-increase student satisfaction."

The technology infrastructure that makes the program a success for students and has brought the College national recognition remains the same. The only difference in the revised program is the issue of laptop ownership. As an owner instead of leaser, a student can add memory, purchase an additional battery, upgrade the audio or video capabilities, or make other minor modifications to tailor the computer to meet individual needs.

Students are given the option to choose between three different models of Dell laptops. Each level machine contains different specifications, which apply to different uses for that machine. For example, a student who only uses the computer for minor applications may only need a base model machine, whereas a student who needs maximum processing power high-end graphic capabilities may want the high-end system. Wesleyan's Helpdesk will be a Dell Certified Repair Center, and only Dell Computers will be supported by the College's repair system.

Dr. Petitto summarizes the College's technology restructuring by saying, "This change emphasizes our belief in the ways that technology can positively affect student learning experiences. By allowing the students more influence and flexibility in their technology experience, both the College and student will benefit greatly in the long run."