1. Why did the dental school begin the Laptop Computer Program?
The School of Dentistry decided that making electronic learning resources available to students by having them use Laptop computers would enhance their educational program. In addition to enhancing the didactic portions of the program, it was considered important to incorporate the use of computers into the clinical activities of the school. Several years were spent enhancing the school's network, computing resources, learning resources, and clinics, in preparation for this program.
2. Do all students need to participate in the Laptop Computer Program, even if they already have a computer?
The school decided that all students must participate in the Laptop Computer Program. This is necessary to ensure that students will have computers that have been thoroughly tested and found compatible with the school's software and computer network. It is easier to provide high-quality technical support to all of the students if they are all using the same type of laptop.
3. How do students use their computers in the first year of the program?
Course materials placed on the dental school's web site are organized using Sakai, a course management system. When students log onto Sakai, they see the courses they are enrolled in and all course objectives, schedules, assignments, content materials, announcements and calendar events related to those courses. There are areas for online discussion groups and the capability for instructors to include self-study questions, projects and assessments.
In addition to accessing course materials in the first year, students use their laptops to train and prepare for clinical activities that will take place during their second year.
The dental school's computer network allows for fast access to high-bandwidth, high-speed presentations. Some course material is also made available on CDs.
4. Is there a student computer laboratory where first-year students can study using their computer?
The IDS and DDS Preclinical Simulation Laboratories serve as the first year students' computer laboratory. There is a network port at each station in these labs where students can individually study electronic course materials and access high-bandwidth presentations from lectures or clinical courses. Wireless access is also available in the lecture halls and café.
5. How do students use the computer in subsequent years of their dental school program?
Dental students access the school's Clinic Management System from their operatory in the dental school's clinics. Students can:
6. What is the purpose of the "technology fee"?
The technology fee covers the cost of a number of items that are part of the School of Dentistry Laptop Computer Program, including the cost of the leased laptop provided to all students. Students can to keep the computer at the end of their educational program. This fee also covers the cost of commercially produced and school-developed software, and a computer case and cables. It covers some of the costs of network resources and Internet network infrastructure.
The technology fee also covers the cost of support services provided through the Department of Computing Services and the Dell Computer Corporation.
7. Does the computer support system cover every kind of damage to or loss of the laptop computer?
If a student's laptop computer ceases to function correctly, the student needs to call Dell Technical Support at 1.800.274.7799 and the computer will be repaired, or a replacement computer will be provided, according to the manufacturer's warranty. However, if the computer is lost, or if it ceases to function because of certain conditions considered by the manufacturer to be intentional damage, then the student will be liable for the replacement cost of a new computer as indicated in the Student Laptop Agreement. In addition, the support agreement does not cover problems created by the addition of hardware or software to the computer by the student. If problems arise due to the addition of hardware or software, the school may fix those problems by reimaging the computer (returning the computer to the condition in which it was delivered).
Students are strongly urged to purchase insurance coverage to cover loss or damage to the Laptop computer that will not be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. Some students may have homeowners' or renters' insurance plans that provide such coverage. Other students may need to purchase personal property insurance to obtain such coverage.
Documentation needed for insurance purposes may be obtained from Brenda Cruz at 415.749.3327. Please leave your name and address and/or a fax number.
