Incoming Medical Sciences Student Laptop One-to-One Program Information
The student laptop one-to-one program began 5 years ago as a joint project between Information Resources and Technology (IRT) and the Department of Medical Education. Previous to its inception, students arrived at school either with a wide variety of laptops new and old, or without one at all.
This presented a challenge for everyone, as technology was becoming more and more a part of the daily life of our medical science students. Digital high stakes testing was being developed by the institution, and this required that each student have the same hardware and software. Students came to the IRT Helpdesk for support, but without standard software, hardware, and warranties, support could only be given on a limited basis. Also, many students could not afford a laptop at all.
The solution was to start a student laptop one-to-one program, where each student would receive a standardized laptop, and this laptop would be provided by fees incorporated in tuition. The first student laptop committee decided that a tablet (convertible) laptop would best fit the requirements for a medical science student. A tablet laptop has been selected each year since.
The student laptop committee this year is comprised of incoming, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year TCOM students, 1st and 2nd year PA students, IRT, and faculty members from TCOM and the School of Health Professions. This committee is in the process of determining which model of laptop, software, peripherals, and warranties will be selected for the incoming classes of TCOM, PA and PT schools.
Each school has a $2000 fee which will cover the purchase of the laptop, software, warranties and peripherals. Combining these purchases allows each class to receive even greater discounts, and allows a standardized model across the institution.
The chosen laptop “bundle” will be given to each incoming student during orientation, and is non-refundable/returnable. Please contact the Information Resources and Technology Helpdesk, hschelpdesk@unthsc.edu, with any questions.