School of Education Technology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why is there a laptop requirement?
- I already have a desktop computer. 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?
- Is my different word processor OK?
- Is wireless Internet access available?
- Why is a standard necessary?
- Why not standardize on Windows instead of Macs?
- I already own a laptop with an older or a different operating system. Can I use it?
- My version of Microsoft Office does not include PowerPoint? Will I still need PowerPoint?
- What if I don't want a Mac?
- What about Linux?
Why is there a laptop requirement?
The faculty in the School of Education are aware that Internet and software
access are an important part of the teaching and learning process. The laptop
requirement allows you and your instructor access to a rich array of Internet
content from most classrooms and all School of Education facilities. The
SOE expects this requirement to result in higher technology literacy, more
technology integration in your own teaching, more effective portfolio development,
effective use of software and hardware (such as digital still or
video cameras), and better instruction from the SOE faculty.
The School of Education is also aware of the need to prepare teachers to teach in K-12 environments in which ubiquitous computing--for example, "one-to-one" student laptop programs such as those in Virginia, Maine, and even Alaska--are becoming a common vehicle for teaching and learning.
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I already have a desktop computer. 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. With a laptop, your works goes with you--including to your school for your internship year. Laptops also fit the emerging K-12 "one-to-one" instructional model that is changing the way students interact with technology. It's important to learn to work with a laptop.
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Is there a recommended laptop?
We are not standardizing on a specific platform. Rather, there are hardware and software standards which your laptop must meet regardless of which brand or operating system (Macintosh or Windows) you use. Please read this document for important information that should help you decide which computer to purchase. The School of Education has a partnership with Apple Computer that allows students to purchase either a 13" MacBook bundle or a 15" MacBook Pro bundle at a discount over regular prices. These bundles inlcude all required software (Microsoft Office, Inspiration) as well as programs to create digital videos (iMovie), manage digital photos (iPhoto), create DVDs (iDVD), and create musical soundtracks or songs (GarageBand). They also meet all standards for wireless networking and memory. Finally, they are printer and network compatible with all FNSBSD elementary schools and three of the four high schools.
The hardware and software standard for laptops may be viewed here.
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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. Please pay very careful attention to the standard requirements, particularly with regard to software. Your laptop must comply in every way with the standard.
If you purchase one of the recommended bundles, there will be technical support from the School of Education, including help with warranty support. If you choose to bring your own laptop, you will be responsible for repair and maintenance.
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How much will this cost?
That depends on which configuration you choose, based on your requirements. All models offered in the SOE Custom Store are available at a discount over regular education prices.
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Is my different word processor OK?
You must have a current version of Microsoft Word. While there are many good word processors on the market, the current market standard is Microsoft Word. In order to ensure that your classmates and instructors can readily read your files, the SOE has also adopted this standard. WordPerfect, Microsoft Works, and other word do NOT meet this requirement – even if you “save as” a Word file.
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Is wireless Internet access available?
A major component of the SOE laptop standard is wireless networking. Not only will this provide realtime access to online resources during classes, it will also provide wireless access to ceiling-mounted LCD projectors in SOE classrooms.
All School of Education buildings have 802.11b/g wireless access. Many campus locations such as the Rasmuson Library and the Gruening Building have wireless access available. For a list of wireless "mobile walk-ups" click here.
Ethernet (wired) access is available from all dorms and from virtually every campus location. However, ethernet access is not generally avaibable in Old Universty Park classrooms, so wireless capability is essential.
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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.
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Why not standardize on Windows instead of Macs?
First, we want to stress that we are committed to a cross-platform strategy. Our software standards are built with cross-platform compatibility and de facto market and educational standards as the first consideration. That is why we have standardized on MicroSoft Office and Inspiration since these programs provide cross-platform compatibility and a similar experience for users of each platform.
Our decision to offer Apple laptops through the Custom Store was based on a combination of configured price (including extended warrantees), portability (small form factor, easily carried in a backpack or shoulder bag), networkability, reliability, and compatibility with the computers typically found in local schools--particularly important for interns.
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I already own a laptop with an older or a different operating system. Can I use it?
The School of Education and the University of Alaska will not support operating systems other than Mac OS X or Windows XP under this standard. If your computer runs another operating system (such as Windows Vista), you will be on your own for technical support and solving compatibility issues.
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My version of Microsoft Office does not include PowerPoint? Will I still need PowerPoint?
Yes. You will be required to use PowerPoint in many of your classes to give presentations and create instructional units. You can purchase PowerPoint separately, but it will probably be less expensive to purchase the Student version of Microsoft Office which includes PowerPoint.
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What if I don't want a Mac?
While we recommend Macs for compatibility with FNSBSD schools at which you may be doing your internship, you are NOT required to purchase a Mac. Your computer simply must meet the School of Education software and hardware standards. All SOE faculty use Macs as do virtually all FNSBSD schools, but you are free to choose other laptops that meets the standards.
If you are not going to purchase a Mac laptop through the School of Education, we recommend purchasing through the UAF Tech Center. They offer excellent prices and support.
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What about Linux?
Linux has great potential as an operating system, and we are actively examining it as a potential alternative standard. However, for the foreseeable future, a Linux-based system is not an acceptable choice for SOE or UAF standards. At the present time, only laptops running Windows or Mac OS X will be considered as meeting the standard. UAF does not provide support for Linux, and required software such as Microsoft Office and Inspiration does not run on Linux systems.
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