Have you ever spent upwards of $100 on a textbook for an introductory course, then, after the first few lectures, realize that the professor prefers other teaching methods and instructional tools? It’s a frustrating experience — one that sows distrust in the minds of students toward their academic superiors.
For incoming 2006-07 College of Engineering freshmen, the college is requiring each student purchase a Tablet PC. The current laptop requirement has forced students to pay out in the vicinity of $2,000 for a machine that is only moderately incorporated into the two elementary engineering courses. Tablet PCs, even future projected models, cost more than laptops, but, ironically enough, the Tablet is the lightweight when it comes to performance. A further burden has officially been laid on the backs of apprehensive freshmen, who are already concerned with these entities called “student loans.” Not only will their initial computer purchase be more expensive but it is highly unlikely their Tablet will be an amply functional machine in four years.
Unless there are determined reasons to engage Tablet PC technology throughout an engineering student’s course work, this requirement is borderline imprudent. The incoming applicant pool for the College of Engineering is on the decline and such an unjustified requirement will only deter potential students from considering what this school offers. I have been thoroughly impressed with the abilities of the College of Engineering, but it is difficult to encourage high school seniors toward this school when they ask why they need to spend more for a Tablet PC that will be obsolete even before they graduate. The College of Engineering should reconsider this mandate before they are left with a new class of aggrieved students and ornamental hardware.
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