| Please
add any comments you want us to hear |
| 1 |
I don't think it should be mandatory
for a student to buy a laptop for a class that is too much money that mant
students don't have. I don't even have a computer I have to come to campus
to use the computer. |
| 2 |
Required = Ridiculous. I am
very poor. |
| 3 |
I think that the use of laptops
is a good idea, however, not in this program. What are the goals with the
laptops? The problem with this is that Campus Computers sells Microsoft Software.
The Windows operating system only works on PC's. The Microsoft software
they have for mac's is office. Everything else you must purchase at a "academic"
price. EX: A student is a CS major and must complete his projects in a
particular class in Microsoft visual c++. He had to buy a laptop for the
UTeach program, but it was an apple. He does not own a computer. Now, to
complete the project he has to carry his laptop around school, go to the
cs lab, and complete the project. The $1000 laptop is now a paperweight. |
| 4 |
Personally, I can't afford a
laptop. I am currently employed at two jobs and still struggling. It's
like living paycheck after paycheck. It really stresses me more knowing
that I have to purchase a laptop on top of instracture fees and flat-rate
tuition. |
| 5 |
The biggest problem is the requirement
to have a Mac specifically. Personally, I've grown up with PCs, and have
little experience with Macs (though I'm willing to learn). However, with
the necessity to own a Mac, it renders most of the software I currently use
to be useless. On the other hand, by being required to use an iMac in particular,
it will eliminate potential compatibility issues with some people. Also,
I would like to get away from my heavy dependance on Microsoft. The money
is an issue, but the deal is very good. I will have to use some of my scholarship
money towards the computer, but I have no doubt that it will benefit me in
the long run. |
| 6 |
i do not think $1000 is a good
price for the volume of labtops that will have to be ordered. Yes, it is a
good labtop with great specs but the price is still a little too much. Also,
macs are a little hard to use and how are we going to carry it around school
along with all our books. labtops are heavy no matter how small they appear
to be. thank you for giving us a survey. |
| 7 |
I would prefer a choice of computer
models (i.e. iBook or PowerBook, etc.) |
| 8 |
Shouldn't people already in the
UTeach program be grandfathered out of the computer requirement? |
| 9 |
i would rater buy a machine that
i will be happy with after graduation. i don't like macs and already own
a ibm desktop so why whould i want to buy an ibook. I wouldn't. For me,
it will be a big waste of money that I can't really afford. If i were able
to buy a ibm laptop, i would definitly be more optamistic about the situation.
With that said, i would like to know exactly what the program is planning
to implement such that we all need our own laptops. There are computers in
our classrooms, is it really necessary for us to have to buy one too- especially
if we already own a desktop. Finally, from what the newspaper said, only
people in the college of ed are going to be required to buy a laptop. Is
this really going to be required of the college of Natural Science students
too? I think, if you can find a way around this requirement, do it. |
| 10 |
my parents and i bought a computer
when i was a freshman...it's an awesome computer and i'd hate to have to keep
up with something i won't use. also, i used the apple ibook last semester
in one of my classes and i hated it...i always tried to get my professor to
let me do my work at home on my own computer. i think that buying the computer
is a great deal for those who don't have a computer... |
| 11 |
I first heard about this in the
Daily Texan. |
| 12 |
I am planning on getting a laptop
anyway because I feel that it is a very efficient tool. I am student who
lives off campus and having a requirement for a laptop would be great especially
for those days that I will be on campus all day. |
| 13 |
I already have an IBM desktop
that's only two years old. I can't imgaine spending MORE money for ANOTHER
computer. It's not exactly a finiancial burden to buy another computer,
but I think it's a little wasteful. I'd rather use that money to buy books
or other school necessities that I don't already have. |
| 14 |
I think it would be great if
scholarships or discounts on the computers were provided for students who
cannot afford a laptop. I hope instructors will be able to teach with students
that may not be accustomed to using macs. |
| 15 |
Is the i-book the only option?
It would be nice to get some PC's in our choices too. |
| 16 |
I think I speak for everyone
when I say... WTF? |
| 17 |
I would love a laptop and I would
try to find the extra money to spend on it, but I would like the option to
have one that was an IBM (windows) NOT a MAC. |
| 18 |
Whereas I understand the beenfits
of owning a laptop, and can see how it woudl improve the quality of the UTeach
program, I must say that I could not afford to spend 1000 on a new computer.
Is there some possiblity of financial aid for this? |
| 19 |
I understand the requirement
for lap tops. I actually think it is a good idea, however I don't agree with
the fact that they have to be macs. I already have a PC, and I would love
to be able to transfer my work from one computer to the other. I think that
that part of requirement should be changed. |
| 20 |
I said this was a great deal
and I was looking forward to having a laptop because I don't have a computer
and this is a great excuse to get one, but I'm not really financially ready
to buy one. I heard a rumor that financial aid will help; that would be great! |
| 21 |
I am really unhappy to hear about
this requirement. I never heard anything about it until I received this e-mail.
If UTeach is going to pay for them then it is a great idea, but they really
cannot expect students (most of which do not have jobs) to buy one! |
| 22 |
Personally, I like the idea and
love the savings, but DON'T want a MAC. If it was an offer of a PC I would
be jumping through hopes!! |
| 23 |
I would prefer PC Based laptops
because of the shear fact that many more applications are on the market geared
to the PC based operating systems. So PC laptops would me more resourceful
for teachers. |
| 24 |
I have a PC at home. I have
a Mac and PC at work. Every UTeach classroom I have been in has both computers.
There is a UTeach computer lab I can use. There is a Nat Sci computer lab
I can use. There is a 24-hour student computer lab I can use. Making me carry
a heavy laptop on my 20 minute bike commute to campus every day would be inhumane,
ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THERE ARE COMPUTERS I CAN USE LITERALLY EVERYWHERE.
1,000 dollars is two months rent for me. 1,000 dollars is almost my entire
scholarship for one semester. In 5 years this laptop will be outdated and
they are not very upgradable. Thats if it doesn't get stolen, or breaks when
it falls from my tired back while riding. If everyone needs to have the
same applications or whatever, then make all the computers in the labs the
same. If this had been told to me BEFORE I had entered this program, it wouldn't
have been as big a deal-- I could have budgeted for it, or not started UTeach
in the first place. If people want or need Mac laptops, great, let'em take
advantage of this "great deal." I don't want or need a Mac (or any) laptop
for any price. I rather give my $1,000 to my student loan creditors.
|
| 25 |
What in the world are you people
thinking. Quite silly to make people buy a labtop. Forcing people to spend
money that could be spent on other more important things like food and shelter.
The goal of a teach certification program is to make good teachers. Not
to look good on paper. There are more than ample computers on campus I
myself have 2 computers. I have no labtop because i don't like them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They are harder to manipulate. to force teachers that have fancy labtops.
But teachers that are able to |
| 26 |
First of all we pay absorbant
fees in order to fund computer labs which are not used to their full potential.
If the computer labs are not used..what's to say that the laptops will be.
Secondly, Laptops are easily broken and easily stolen which can lead to huge
fees on the part of the student. Thirdly, just because we are forced to
by a laptop DOES NOT MEAN that the teachers in training will automatically
become proficient in the use of technology. In my UTEACH experience, meaningful
use of a computer has been limited to word processing and newsgroup discussions...
you DO NOT NEED AN APPLE LAPTOP TO DO THAT. And finally, it is UT and any
program's right to require whatever fees or materials they wish as a part
of admission (see the example of the business college who requires a laptop
for ADMISSION) however, it isn't right to suddenly force students to participate
in a prerequisite that was not originally a part of admission into the program.
Had I known about this prerequistite prior to my final year (I only have
research methods and student teaching left and at this point it is a complete
waste to not continue) I would have either postponed joining UTEACH, planned
accordingly so that I could afford this laptop, or not joined UTEACH at all
based off of my financial situation at the time of joining the program. Note
that the $1000 is for "qualifying" students..and needless to say those of
us who pay for our education and yet still are claimed as dependents for insurance/tax/or
whatever purposes are not eligible for finanacial aid...ever. Just as I
chose UT over other schools due my balancing quality of education WITH upfront
publications of fees/requirements/etc..it is unfair to change those requirements
that led me to join UTEACH in the first place midstream and disrupt financial
planning. This is particularly true for the education majors who are unable
to drop the program and rely on their primary major like us UTEACH'ers are.
Either way, to add insult to injury NO ONE in the UTEACH staff/student organization
or anywhere even mentioned the thought that this would happen which is particularly
hurtful since UTEACH touts it's ability to reach out to those who feel like
a number at UT. What this tells me is that that those in charge of this
grand plan to create the best future educators through comunication care
more about money and what sounds good on paper than communication and caring
with those they claim matter most..the "future teachers of america". |
| 27 |
I really like the idea, but I
am not sure if I could possibly afford another computer seeing that I just
purchased a desktop. Maybe if there was a scholarship fund or fianancial assistance
available. |
| 28 |
the laptop requirement is fine,
but don't make me buy a mac if i already own a ibm laptop. That is ridiculous!!!! |
| 29 |
i don't have enough money to
even buy a regular computer. i use the library computers. |
| 30 |
I have no idea whether this will
be a good idea or not, but it will be a SERIOUS financial hardship for me,
causing me to have to work more hours at my job, which will adversely affect
my grades, causing this program to have the opposite effect than intended.
I really don't know how I can afford an extra $1000, even considering the
AISD scholarship. |
| 31 |
I think the UTeach program should
look at the Functions and Modeling classroom in the Education Building. The
classroom comes complete with laptops on every desk. I don't see the point
in making students buy their own laptops. I think it would be a better idea
to simply require the students to buy a few disks and have access to computers
in the classroom. Also, $1,000 is somewhat a deal, but its still a lot of
money for us to spend on a few classes. I don't think its right to require
students to spend money on something that could easily be stepped around. |
| 32 |
I have no idea whether this will
be a good idea or not, but it will be a SERIOUS financial hardship for me,
causing me to have to work more hours at my job, which will adversely affect
my grades, causing this program to have the opposite effect than intended.
I really don't know how I can afford an extra $1000, even considering the
AISD scholarship. |
| 33 |
Please remember that tuition
is going flat (or actually up for most students For ex: $2200-next $2600)
In general, I think this tuition thing is going to cost students more and
they wlll have less for laptops. |
| 34 |
I'm sure it's a good idea, but
I don't really appreciate being forced into it. |
| 35 |
While I think that $1000 for
an ibook with the specs that the college of Ed listed is a good deal, I think
it is an unwise requirement. My main concern is people being able to afford
to spend $1000 in addition to the tuition and fees that they are already paying
(particularly those students in Science classes with lab fees). If the college
of Ed wants to replace all of their fees with the laptop expendature, then
that is fine, but making it an additional cost could be financially devastating
to some students. Also, I personally would prefer to invest my $1000 in
a desktop rather than a laptop, given that it would be easier/cheaper to
upgrade a desktop in a few years to keep up with technology. |
| 36 |
I was not aware of this requirement...and
unfortunately do not have the funds and do not expect to have the funds to
purchase one. I am lucky enough to have an old compaq. I am not sure what
I'll do. |
| 37 |
if the requirements were to just
have a labtop I think it might go over well. I still do not think it is necessary
to have a labtop for education majors. I hope that this only affects education
specific majors and not UTeach students. |
| 38 |
I don't understand why we need
a personal computer, we have so much access to so many on campus as it is,
I don't think adding another $1000 price tag to our education is going to
help anyone except whoever is providing the computers. |
| 39 |
I think they should allow us
the option of PC or mac rather than forcing us to purchase a mac. In addition,
they should make this a prereq to entering the program and not adding it to
the program now to getting our certification- therefor if we do not have one
now we should not be required to purchase one. A lot of students can not
afford to go out and purchase a mac and do not like to use Macs. |
| 40 |
To understate my annoyance I
believe this to be a misguided and ridiculous plan. Students already are
gouged for the ever increasing tuition and the UTeach program is already
compromised enough by it's unwarranted leaning on technology...technology
is a much larger part of the curriculum than it will ever be part of schools.
So far I have found this program to be a big pile of dog poo (again, putting
it lightly), and already requiring much too much of those who want to teach
- i mean in the way of work that does not help them become a better teacher,
but does help them hate the program. So far I have seen several drop out
and decide not to teach b/c of what a joke this program is...why not add
the insult of forcing them to pay another $1000 needlessly. It is not that
laptops aren't useful, it is that making that a requirement is completely
stupid. If you want me to explain why I would love to expound and explain
my views. here's to wishing someone with a clue will some day be a part
of the UTeach administration. |
| 41 |
Although I feel that requiring
a lap top for classes is definitely a reasonable step, what I have been able
to glean so far about this program sounds unreasonable. First, although having
a nice deal on Macs is wonderful, I do not think that specifically requiring
the i-book is a good idea. Almost all programs should be usable on either
a Mac or an IBM compatible, and unless we are given more specific reasons
for using the i-book exclusively, I believe this plays more towards corporate
control than towards true usefulness. Second, I don't believe that setting
this up and having everyone shell out $1000 by next August is really practical
unless there are options for installment payments or for renting for awhile. |
| 42 |
I'm not a fan at all of Macs.
I could barely afford to purchase a laptop let alone an ibook that I hate
using. I would not mind the requirement to own a laptop provided it is each
individual students choice as to which type of laptop he/she purchases. |
| 43 |
It would be nice to be able to
get a PC laptop for this kind of discount. |
| 44 |
I can see how laptops might help,
but I can't see what tasks we could possibly be doing that could only be done
exclusively on a laptop. I fear if everyone did get a laptop that we would
only see marginal benefits. It might turn out to be a serious waste of
money if it turns out that we can just as easily do on desktop computers what
we would be doing on the laptops. If students could check the laptops and
then return them when finished, maybe that's a possibility. I think that
to just flat out require us to shell out 2000+ dollars on something we might
not even want or need is just absurd. |
| 45 |
I already own a Gateway laptop.
Does your laptop really have to be an Apple? I do not want to buy another
laptop. I cannot afford to buy another laptop. This may be a good idea theoretically,
but not realistically. |
| 46 |
I really think that this will
make it very hard for many students. Since we have not known about this since
the beginning of coming into the program, most students have already bought
a desktop computer or laptop of their own. I know that if they are required
that my parents would give me the money to purchase one. I too think that
the professors might not have really good uses for these. I know that we need
to be exposed to computers and technology in order to be better teachers,
but I think that we could use computer labs, etc. to do this. I think that
this would be a beneficial thing to do but I believe it would be a hard one
to implement (due to timing). |
| 47 |
Requiring Apple laptops is very
restrictive. If everyone had a PC laptop, there would be a much wider range
of price and options, but fairly good compatibility. We are not stupid, and
if we buy a laptop that is not identical to the one that everyone else has,
we will get to know it, and be able to use it. Taking on that responsibility
should be an option, especially for those that already own and use a laptop.
Additionally, college students are on tight budgets, and laptop computers
are no substitute for a desktop. Laptops are much less ergonomic and using
a laptop exclusively, as collge students with only enough money to buy one
computer might have to, could cause health issues. |
| 48 |
most of us have made it trough
most of UT teach without having a desktop computer at home or a laptop. I'm
sure it will make life a lot easier, but it should not be a requirement just
yet. I have an old IMB laptop and it has served me well, for the w=few weeks
that I have had it, I think it is a good idea, but the costs are the main
concern. |
| 49 |
Do not get me wrong, I fully
support the idea of require all students to own a laptop in order to make
us more techno-savvy, however, I absolutely detest Macs and refuse to pay
for one, no matter how cheap they are or how good of a deal they are. I
believe that this decision should be based on a majority rules method. In
other words, conduct a student vote on the best PC bidder versus the iMac.
Afterall, it is important to keep in mind whose pocket this is all coming
out of. If I'm going to be required to spend that kind of money, I want
to be happy with what I'm buying! |
| 50 |
I think it's a good deal but
it will be difficult for me to afford. |
| 51 |
The majority of students already
own a computer and many, like me, own PCs. To expect us to spend a thousand
dollars on yet ANOTHER computer is utterly outrageous in my opinion and I
am against it being a requirement. And you expect students with laptops that
aren't Apple iBooks to buy yet a SECOND laptop? It seems nuts! We use the
computers we own with proficiency. It would make more sense, if teachers
care to integrate technology more, to create assignments adaptable to ALL
computer types, IBM or Mac, laptop or PC. Is this decision official? Do
we need to go buy these? This is the first I have heard of this proposal.
The students need to be kept more informed on this subject, especially because
it involves such an expense to them. |
| 52 |
If I get a laptop, I would not
want it to be an Apple iBook. I would rather spend my money on a Dell or
Compaq. I have more confidence working on a PC than a Mac. |
| 53 |
I would not look forward to having
to lug my entire laptop around campus and to my other classes. It is not
very pratical. I believe it is good for all students to own a computer but
if students already own one, why should they have to go out and buy another?
School is expensive enough as it is. Also, I really do not like Macs. I
own a Gateway laptop and really enjoy it but my experience with Macs has not
been very good. I hope you take these thoughts into consideration and thank
you for allowing me to voice my opinions. |
| 54 |
The only thing is that not many
people can afford $1000 for labtop. |
| 55 |
UTeach couses hardly make any
appropriate use of computers already. I don't think there is even the slightest
need for laptops. |
| 56 |
For some of us who are already
struggling to even pay tuition, this puts a huge damper on my finances. I
don't see how this can be a requirement when we're already paying a flat-rate
tuition of 2200 dollars and buy books for other classes. i cant even get enough
in loans to cover all of this. |
| 57 |
I think it would be rididulous
to require students to dish out an additional $1000, for an ibook, in addition
to the already high costs of tuition and books for all the other classes. |
| 58 |
I would like the person in charge
to consider the fast changes in technology and the order to buy a specific
labtop will only lead to a lack of current technology advances the next. |
| 59 |
I just purchased my first IBM
PC so as you can guess, I am not too enthralled about having to purchase an
Apple laptop all of a sudden. Perhaps we can rent out laptops through the
school??? |
| 60 |
1) Did anybody even ask students
first? 2) Picking one platform is counteracadmic. 3) A PDA could suffice for
a tenth of the cost. |
| 61 |
I already own a laptop and am
experienced in a wide variety of platforms already. Given this, the forceful
purchase of a laptop will hurt, not help me - since I already am well aware
of what each type of computer can do, and being a CS-Uteach student, prefer
to make my own decision. |
| 62 |
I am on full needs financial
aid. I receive no monetary assistance from my parents and it's going to be
a miracle if I save up enough money to buy a car by the time I start student
teaching. If you make the laptop a requirement I will be unable to become
a teacher. |
| 63 |
I have my own PC at home and
have access to many other pcs on campus. By having a mac laptop, I don't
think it will improve my technological skills in anyway. It will probably
just end up collecting dust underneath my bed... |
| 64 |
I think this seems like a good
deal, but I am not thrilled that Macs were determined to be the standard
(although I understand some standard must be set). Money to buy a laptop
is not so much of an issue with me, but I do foresee it being a problem.
I think some strong efforts need to be made to work with instructors to put
the computers to use and make it a worthwhile investment. Good luck with this! |
| 65 |
before I decide to spend $1000
on an iMac, I would need to know what we would be using them for, and why
we couldn't use an IBM compatable laptop |
| 66 |
I am marrying another UTeach
student this summer, and I'm very concerned about how we would come up with
$2000 (a laptop for each of us). Our parents count on the AISD scholarship
for tuition help, so they do not like the idea of using it for a new computer.
Also, my husband and I would then have 3 computers in our home, which seems
a little excessive since we're struggling to pay our bills until we graduate!
I think the laptop sounds like a good deal, one that I would definitely go
for if I were already a teacher with a salary. But, since I'm not, I just
can't see spending $1000 on a computer (especially a Mac! Ha!) when I have
a perfectly good brand-new PC at home and hundreds to use at school. Not
that this is that important, but I would also hate having to carry it to
class everyday. I wonder what it is that we need to do on these laptops that
we can't do on the ones in the lab at school. Perhaps if we could pay the
amount out over time, it would be a more appealing plan. Either way, thanks
for asking our opinions. Maybe we all just need a little time to adjust
to this. |
| 67 |
i don't care if i work on mac
or PC. They both easy to use by themselves, independent of other systems,
but PCs are just more compatible with so many other systems and networks and
other hardware and software. Macs are easily used with other printers in
the schools, video pojectors, monitoring devicing, there are too many potential
problems. With tuition increasing so much, another $1000 does not help college
students. |
| 68 |
Seems like a whole lot of money
to make mandatory. A desktop at home is good enough, but it would be nice
to see some reasoning as to why this choice was made. |
| 69 |
Note I wouldn't rather quit but
that was the closest option b/c the plan IS stupid. I understand requiring
us to have a laptop, but forcing a mac on us is ridiculous. It's my money,
and if I can get good educational software on a pc, even if it costs a little
more, that should be my choice. This is a HUGE investment and students should
get some freedom in making the choice (laptop wise) which is right for them.
|
| 70 |
I remember getting an email about
using laptops in the UTeach program, but never knew that they will be required.
I think that making them optional is a good idea, because I know that I don't
want to spend a $1000 when there are so many computers accessible to me on
campus!! I also don't think that they will be used as much in the classroom
as the UTeach Staff would like them to be. I also carry so much around in
my school bag already, and do not want to have to carry around something else!!!! |
| 71 |
will there be any specifications
will everything be okay as long as the student has a computer in class? |
| 72 |
I think that this idea has good
intentions but could cause many problems. For instance, I own a brand new
labtop already and I think it's crazy that I will have to buy another labtop
and have it be one that I'm not going to be happy with. I think that if there
were scholarships to help people purchase the laptop, and that there be an
option for either a mac or a PC, people might be happier. Also, if you make
this a requirment you might want to explain more why a mac must be purchased,
and what benefits there are in having all students purchase one. |
| 73 |
I do not understand why this
would be a requirement to become a teacher. I am sure it would be helpful
in the future, but some people may not be interested in using computers all
the time in the classes they are taking or in the classes they will be teaching,
like me for instance. Also, my entire computing life has been done on a PC,
and I would not be very happy about having to switch to an Apple. My main
question is what would we be doing with these computers that it would be
so important that we all own them? |
| 74 |
My highschool used a Mac and
we had to get rid of them. Sorry, but a PC makes much more sense. The software
is what we are talking about here. Surely a comparable PC laptop manufacturer,
such as Dell will match anything mac will provide. I much rather prefer the
PC. Thx. |
| 75 |
Mommy and Daddy don't pay for
my tuition and my scholarships won't cover the bill. |
| 76 |
I spent a lot of money on the
laptop that i have right now. there is no way that i am going to spend any
more on a mac laptop. if it comes down to it, i will partition my hd and
either install a compatible mac os or run a compatible Linux os(which would
be my preference) |
| 77 |
I would think that this is a
great idea, however, I don't know a whole lot about the specific requirements.
I could go along with the idea with no problem if somehow we could get scholarships
for the laptops or some other funding to help. It is hard enough to try and
get through school on Ramen noodles anyway. I think that I am with most people
that it is a really big shock mostly. A thousand dollars is a lot of money
to be given only 3 or 4 months notice. Even a payment plan would be better.
I've heard some instructors say what if you could use your scholarship money
for this, but our scholarship money is already being used elsewhere and it
would be a pity to see even one student not be able to take a course because
they had to purchase a laptop with the scholarship money they usually use
to pay for school. Now if the scholarship money came from a different source,
that is a different story. As far as it being a Mac, I think most people
are just not accustomed to using both. Speaking of using both, like myself,
another question that would need to be addressed would be the needed software.
If we are at home PC users, we would need to have all new software. There
would need to be some sort of source for the software, maybe a deal with
Microsoft or something. I think that having to carry around a laptop is
also a concern for most students who like myself live far from campus and
must carry everthing with me at all times. If I would have to carry a laptop
in addition, I would probably break my back. I would hope that maybe there
could be some sort of storage place that could hold books or suplies for
students like myself. As far as how the teachers would put it to use, the
only classes that would use it regularly would be the UTeach instructors.
I feel that the idea that students need computer access at all time is ideal,
however, these are some concerns of mine with a few suggestions. Another
idea, what about palms insead? |
| 78 |
I think asking students to have
a labtop is not all together a bad idea. But requiring them to buy a mac
is. I do not like macs. I have had a PC for 8 years now, and I just bought
a brand new desktop PC in December. It does me no good to have a mac labtop.
I will not buy one, regardless of the requirment. I will be student teaching
in the fall and I do not think it is necessary. I do think the wording needs
to change. If you say that mac labtops are required, I think you will lose
many students from the program. Some simply cannot afford a $1000 computer.
School is tough enough to finace without this extra burden. Many students
I know do not even own their own computer. I just hope this does not hurt
UTeach. |
| 79 |
If I'm going to spend $1000 on
a laptop, I'm going to buy one that's compatible with the machine that I have
at home, which is a PC. |
| 80 |
It's shocking really. |
| 81 |
I am a Computer science major
and I would use the computer anyway in class to teach the students. Even
if it is theoratical material technology will be incorporated. I just upgraded
my computer and I dont see a need to get a laptop.Even if I do i rather be
forced to get a PC laptop than a MAC. I am pretty comfortable with MAC but
I dont like using it so much. There are many applications which dont run so
well on MAC. I personally dont support the idea. Hope my views are helpful.
Thanks. |
| 82 |
while this definitely is a great
deal, I can't say that I'm looking forward to being required to spend 1,000
bucks that I doubt I'll have. |
| 83 |
I understand that using one platform
makes it more manageable, but it is so much easier for most students to work
with PCs. I'm concerned about software that I have and use on a daily basis
that I would not be able to use on a Mac because either it is not available
or a Mac version would have to be purchased. I am also concerned about cost.
In the initial email I recieved regarding the laptop requirement the option
of leasing was mentioned. Now it seams as if Uteach will not be making that
service available. I feel very confused and left in the dark about my options.
I also feel as if students concerns were not taken into account. I am currently
working my way through college, and this will certainly serve as a financial
burden. How is Uteach going to address this? I would like to see more information
become available or maybe an informational meeting held. |
| 84 |
its pretty ridiculous. i would
like to know the need for this. |
| 85 |
I believe trying to implement
computers into the courses is a good idea, but requiring students to purches
laptops, espically a specific type of laptop (macs), is ridicules. Students
are struggling to pay for tution and housing. Most of us can not afford even
$500. Please make better use of the computer labs instead of implementing
this plan. |
| 86 |
i dont think this is a good idea.
thats a lot of money and most of us need to use it for books for other classes-
such as engineering classes. and i never ever use macs, so i would never want
to buy one |
| 87 |
No, I really can't afford a laptop
computer since I've already got a PC desktop computer. However, if it is
absolutely mandatory for us to purchase one and if we will really benefit
from having our own, then I'll find a way to make it work. |
| 88 |
where cani get a free laptop? |
| 89 |
This new policy is horrifying.
I purchased my Dell Laptop in August of this year! We were given no warning
at all about this new policy and absolutely no student imput was asked for.
I know of GRADUATE students in Business and Law that are required to purchase
laptops, but even then they have a choice of PC or Mac. We have a beautiful
new workroom in PAI 4.12 that teachers can hold class in if computers are
needed in the classroom. If this is a necessary requirement, then "they" (whoever
they are) should consider those of us who own a brand new PC laptop. What
am I supposed to do with it now? This new policy should be implemented on
incoming freshmen only! |
| 90 |
I don't have a student loan to
pay for a laptop that I don't need right now. I just spent a whole lot of
money on a brand new Dell desktop computer. There is no way that I can afford
to pay $1000 for a computer that I don't need. We, as students, should not
be forced to spend an additional $1000 on a Mac laptop. Heck, we are already
being forced to pay overpriced tuition now. Also, by next fall, I will only
have 2 semesters left and feel that I shouldn't have to buy a laptop for 2
semesters. Maybe if I was a freshman, this idea would sound a little more
logical. Why is it neccessary for all of us to own a laptop when there are
plenty of computers on campus and in our brand new workroom. Why can't we
just use the computers that have been bought for us? And by the way...what
other majors force the students to spend $1000 on a computer when they already
own one. I mean, come on, we are going to be teachers. $1000 on an additional
computer is a lot of money to some of us. In case you haven't noticed, I have
a big problem with this idea. |
| 91 |
$1000 is really steep, especially
since UT has raised fees and tuition, AGAIN. It's not a bad idea, actually
I was thinking of purchasing one myself once I started teaching but I wouldn't
really be able to do that right now since I don't have any money other than
loans. If there were some way to possible get a scholarship or other monetary
assistance in buying the laptop that would be great. |
| 92 |
I was shocked when I heard of
this plan. I think it's a stupid idea (I wish I could come up with a more
creative adjective, and yet stupid seems to perfectly describe my feelings).
I feel that it will be a waste of money that I can't really afford to spend
anyway. I think that most students who are in just getting certification
are already computer literate and using the laptops will not be an enhancement
to our education. I think this is a waste for professors and students alike
and I am disappointed that it would be implemented at a public university.
|
| 93 |
If we were getting PCs, I'd be
totally up for this... But Macs?... I don't know. |
| 94 |
I heard that perhaps the AISD
scholarship could pay for this. I think this is nice, but I want my AISD scholarship
to pay for my education, not an ibook, that i don't need nor will I like.
If we are going to get laptops, I would prefer an IBM, not a Mac. Also, I
think that if they are going to require us to get ibooks, perhaps they should
allow students to "check them out" like library books, instead of requiring
purchase of one- i'm not sure how much i could afford a laptop- which brings
me back to my other point, if i were goign to save to buy one, I would rather
have an IBM. anyway... |
| 95 |
Just look at the stats at the
bottom of this page. What percentage do you see using Macs verus PCs. Yeah.
I think that should sum up the fight against forcing Macs on us. Anyway,
why is it necessary that we all have the exact same type of laptop?! I already
own a laptop, and if I were going to buy another computer ($1000 is a good
deal, but still...) I'd want a PC. I have no intention of pruchasing an iMac
for this program. And if that means I can't teach, don't you think there's
something wrong with that?! They tell us there's a shortage of math/science
teachers, and then they put stupid requirements that only lower those numbers.
Think first, then make suggestions. I don't think this plan was properly
thought out. |
| 96 |
I will not pay for this. If I'm
dropped from the program because of this I would probably fight it since this
was not required when I started paying money to join UTEACH. This is similar
to changing degree requirements. This is a stupid plan. I will still teach,
but my degree may be from another university. |
| 97 |
If the UTeach program is willing
to help me pay for this laptop, then I think this will benefit both me and
the teachers asking for them. I own a laptop already, but from what I understand
the specs have to be of a certain type. If UTeach can present a better offer
the laptop, I will have no problems buying one. |
| 98 |
I wouldn't spend $1.00 for an
Apple. |
| 99 |
Whoever constructed this survey
obviously knows very little about the evolution of computers over the past
15+ years. An "IBM desktop computer" makes no sense... IBM sells computers,
but they certainly don't have to run Windows (which the question implies),
and there are a great many other computer manufacturers in the desktop marketplace
today. This is an issue of operating systems, not manufacturers. A Dell laptop
is just an incompatible with an iBook as an "IBM desktop computer". It's no
wonder that such a misinformed, computer-illerate program would require iBooks.
Maybe someone who actually knows a thing or two about computers should be
calling the shots, instead of a suit reading executive propaganda from Apple. |
| 100 |
SUGGESTIONS: (A) offer PDA's
(iPAQ's would be nice) since that seems to be the new thing with teachers
now (2) Offer a technology course for incoming students to prepare them for
the rest of their upcoming classes. Integrate both PC's and mac's into the
course. I only say this because someone thinks that they need to teach us
how to use a mac. Or, better yet, make a technology course that already exists
(CS course) mandatory. (III) If the mac laptop idea must go through; figure
out how you're going to emulate the mac os on the many IBM compatible laptops
(linux?), because it sounds like a lot of people, myself included, are not
going to buy a mac. (D) Ask us what we think. Ask us what we know about
computers. We obviously care. COMMENTS: (1) Keep in mind that many
of us grew up on the computer and know more than you do already (whether you
like it or not). (second) Is it really necessary? What could we possibly
learn with a laptop in our laps that we couldn't learn in a computer lab or
a classroom? I took a JAVA programming course that I learned a lot in, and
we didn't even have a computer lab, much less have to buy a laptop. (C) I
don't know anybody in UTeach who doesn't know enough about computers to use
them in their classroom. If you do, then please let them know that there
are many students willing to show them how to e-mail, type, browse, draw pretty
pictures and WHATEVER else to get out of paying $1000. (not to exceed 100
hours) (last) The funny thing is that the people who really need the laptops
are the people who do not know how to check their e-mail. They're not even
going to get to this survey while the rest of us sit around pissed off, two
weeks before finals, trying to come up with reasons for you to change your
minds. Bad plan...bad timing...scrap it! MAC laptop, $1000 giving future
teachers a good reason to pursue a different career...PRICELESS |
| 101 |
I do not feel that laptops should
be required. |
| 102 |
Tuition to UT is already about
$5,000 a year, now you want us to purchase $1,000 laptops!! Sure, I can qualify
for financial aid but this just means a studet loan to pay back. Thank goodness
I'm graduating in a couple of weeks. I'd never be able to finish the UTeach
program if an additional $1000 was coming out of my pocket. Is it really
all that necessary? I never felt underprivilaged with out a lap top throughout
my college career. |
| 103 |
I already own one so it isn't
really a problem for me. |
| 104 |
I don't think it is a good idea
for the Ed Dept to force this upon us. It's unfair from a finacial point
of view, and from a personal point of view; Macs are crap compared to PCs
so why make us use something that we don't want to; that we are unfamiliar
with, and that we don't need to begin with as we either have computers of
our own already, or have free access to computers on campus. |
| 105 |
I had heard rumblings of this
being a possibility, but hadn't yet heard that it would be required in the
fall. I thought I'd heard something about them being free, though. That
is a big expense, when I already have a PC at home that I use regularlt and
love. I guess my response is that I think who ever will decide this has probably
already decided. And am not sure whether or not my opinions will be heard,
but am glad to have a computer to voice them to. |
| 106 |
I think laptops are a great idea...but
the price tag is something that worries me. UTeach already supports us so
much because we all know that teaching is not a lucrative field, and I use
money through internships and scholarships to pay for my rent! It will be
hard to shell out $1000 for a Mac. Also, I know that a lot of MACs are not
compatible with regular computers, so that may be a problem because most classrooms
today have PCs. However, if it passes, I will find a way to get the money.
I think partial scholarships (even if they were $100-200) would help take
the load off. Many people come to UTeach because of the help we are able
to get, and I don't know how most people would feel about having to buy a
computer for $1000. |
| 107 |
I'm not so much concerned about
the type of laptop as more about the type of software expected on the laptop..
I'd rather have a bizarre computer which can share its data with most if
not all major platforms and programs than a PC or Mac with high-end high-cost
software that's only been developed for its platform alone... |
| 108 |
Why apple ibooks of all things? |
| 109 |
If it is a student requirement
to own one of these, is there going to be any kind of loan program available
so that financially stressed students will be able to afford it? |
| 110 |
I think it's great to offer a
deal on laptops and encourage buying one, but not requiring it. I know UTeach
has some laptops to check out, but I'm sure their aren't enough for those
who couldn't afford to buy one. |
| 111 |
I want to know more about what
the reasons are for this. Are we going to be required to do all of our reading
on a laptop? Are classes going to be taught only with computers? If so,
I might reconsider going into this program. |
62 (38.51%) 
31 (19.25%) 
28 (17.39%) 
22 (13.66%) 
