Universities Plug Into Wired Learning
August 12 , 2003
Most universities in Canada realize they must become technologically savvy to keep enrolment numbers high.
As the workforce demands more teachnologically advanceds employees, universities are trying to inmtroduce technology into all disciplines. The most innovative and aggressive way universities are choosing to do this is the use of laptop or notebook computer initiatives, requiring each student to have a laptop for classes and tutorials. Entire classrooms can then use networking programs and software simultaneously, while also expirienceing the traditional university classroom experience. Acadia led the way in 1997 by being the first Canadian institution to issue laptops to its entire first-year class. The new University of Ontario Institution of Technology is implementing the laptop initiative in most of its programs. Many universities use laptops only for a certain programs, so don't assume all the courses at the universities supporting this initiative use laptops. Check first using the individual university Web sites.
Aside from the notebook/laptop initiative, many universities are attempting to keep their students technologically satisfied in a variety of different ways. One is to provide access to the internet and university networks in several locations in the university. Having multiple labs and outlets to plug in individual pupils' PCs is imperative to keeping their labs open 24 hours a day and provifing computer support technicians on hand for troubleshooting. Most students enrolled in Canadian universities are given a university based –mail account and often file storage space through these accounts. Some universities allow students to keep the accounts for life. Most universities also offer some packages for personal connection to the internet while at home or in the residence. Often dial-up service is less expensive, or sometimes free.
Some packages include a determined amount of free hours per semester and rates of between 30 and 50 cents for each additional hour used. Each university has its own policy, so be sure to check toe school profile. If a wired university is important to you, here is a list of Canada 's best: Acadia University , Algonquin College , Canadore College , College Boreal, Concordia University , Niagara College , Nipissing University , Queen's University School of Business, Ryerson Polytechnic University , St. Clair College of Arts and Technology, St. Francis University , Sheridan College , University or Ottawa , and University of Western Ontario .
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