Laptop Computer Requirement FAQ
| Basic Requirements | Financial Assistance | Purchasing & Pricing |
| Eligibility | Why the Laptop Initiative | Technical Help |Other Questions |
Basic Requirements: What, When, Who
What is the requirement?
All students in a UT Austin teacher preparation program will be required to have a laptop computer meeting certain specifications as they enter designated professional development courses.
The minimum laptop specifications are as follows:
- Model: Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro
- Operating System: 10.5 “Leopard” or 10.6 “Snow Leopard”
- Processor: 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
- RAM: 2 GB
- Hard Drive: 80 GB (120 GB or higher preferred)
- DVD/CD-RW: Combo or Super Drive
- Connectivity: 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, Apple Airport Card (for wireless internet), USB, external monitor/projector port
- Technical Support: Three Year AppleCare Protection Plan
- Software:
- MS Office 2004, 2008, or 2011 - Installation disk included on COE laptop Bundles or for purchase at Campus Computer Store
- iLife ‘08, ‘09 or ‘11 - Included in Apple laptops with OS X
- Antivirus software - The free ClamXav application is available on the UT Bevoware Site.
- TeachNet - A free application that is used for some of the teacher preparation programs
Note: Apple software must be run on Apple hardware. Section 2A of the OS X Snow Leopard agreement states, " Subject to the terms and conditions of this License, unless you have purchased a Family Pack or Upgrade license for the Apple Software, you are granted a limited non-exclusive license to install, use and run one (1) copy of the Apple Software on a single Apple-branded computer at a time. You agree not to install, use or run the Apple Software on any non-Apple-branded computer, or to enable others to do so. This License does not allow the Apple Software to exist on more than one computer at a time, and you may not make the Apple Software available over a network where it could be used by multiple computers at the same time." The same clause limitations exist for Leopard and iLife. See all Apple license agreements.
Students who already have a laptop computer meeting or exceeding these specifications do not need to obtain additional items to meet the requirement. Students who can upgrade an existing laptop computer to meet or exceed these specifications may do so to meet the requirement. Other students must obtain a laptop computer meeting or exceeding these specifications to fulfil the requirement.
When did it go into effect?
The requirement began at the beginning of the Fall 2002 semester.
Who is required to have a laptop computer?
Most students seeking teacher certification at UT Austin at the time they enter the professional development sequence will be required to have a laptop computer. Check with the administrators of your specific program to verify the requirement. Each certification program defines the beginning of the professional sequence. For students seeking EC-6 certification, the professional sequence begins after a formal application and admission process. In some other programs the requirement begins in the semester before student teaching or practicum. Students who enter the professional sequence in subsequent semesters will be required to have the specified laptop computer at the time their professional coursework begins.
Are students required to buy a new computer?
No, students who already have a computer or who wish to purchase or borrow a used laptop computer may do so, as long as the computer meets or exceeds the specified hardware and software requirements and is available for all class sessions and field experiences. If a question arises about the suitability of a particular computer, a student should ask for clarification.
Can I upgrade my existing Macintosh Computer to meet the requirements?
It is possible that you have a Macintosh laptop that can be upgraded in order to meet the College of Education’s laptop initiative requirements. To find out more information regarding your specific model, please contact the Campus CompUTer Store at utsales@campuscomputer.com.
If I have a Dell/IBM/Sony/HP or other Windows Laptop, what do I need to get in order to use it in my final three semesters?
Unfortunately, the laptop requirement is for a computer that will run Apple OS X; you will need to obtain a laptop that meets the requirements. Please check our Laptop Requirement page for details.
I would like to purchase an MacBook in the Fall but I won't start the Professional Development Sequence for three years. Will the requirements for the laptops change between now and then?
Computer hardware and software change rapidly over time. If you buy a laptop computer as an entering freshman, it will not be the same as the ones being sold when you enter the professional development sequence. However, we do not intend to change requirements to invalidate a choice you make as an entering freshman, so your computer will suffice for the laptop requirement.
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Financial Assistance
What should students do if they feel they cannot afford to buy a laptop that meets the requirement?
We have made determined efforts to reduce the costs for students. The Office of Student Financial Services will include the cost of the minimal system in the calculation of financial need for each student who is required to participate. This will allow grants, scholarships, and loans to help finance the cost. Students anticipating the need for financial assistance should be sure to apply for financial aid.
I am on financial aid and I would like to purchase my laptop now, but I don't receive any money till classes start. What arrangements have been made with the financial aid office?
The financial aid office has made adjustments to their calculations for students who are required to have a laptop beginning in the Fall. Although many students want to order their laptops early, no one is required to have them before they enter the Professional Development Sequence. For this reason, there will be no financial adjustment in advance. Students needing special financial arrangements should contact the Office of Student Financial Services directly.
Will the laptop be charged under my tuition bill and paid for with my financial aid?
A list of students entering the professional development sequence is given to the financial aid office each semester. The list is used by the Financial Aid office to calculate (or recalculate) your financial need. That result will then be figured into the financial aid package you are offered. You will not be billed for this expense. All students should initiate a discussion with OSFS well in advance to review their particular circumstances and needs.
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Purchasing & Pricing
What is the cost for the COE laptop bundle?
The special bundle offer, including an Apple laptop that meets the minimum requirements, video adapter, Microsoft Office, and the AppleCare Protection Plan are available online. See the Campus CompUTer store website for more details. Other laptop configurations meeting the requirements are also available.
How do I order a laptop computer at the special price?
Purchase of the laptop must be made at the Campus CompUTer Store to receive the special COE pricing. They will accept your order:
Where can I find pricing information for the laptop bundles?
Pricing information can be found on the Campus CompUTer Store Laptop Initiative webpage.
Do students have to buy a particular model?
No, there are several models of laptops which meet the specified operating characteristics. In conjunction with the teacher preparation program at The University of Texas at Austin, Apple has offered an MacBook laptop which meets the requirement at a low cost to students. Upgrades and other, enhanced or more powerful, laptops are also available for purchase at an educational discount. See the Campus CompUTer Store Laptop Initiative webpage.
Should I insure my COE bundle laptop for loss, theft, or damage?
Yes! We strongly recommend that you purchase insurance!
Insurance for your new computer is available from the Worth Ave. Group
Will other items be available at special prices to enhance the function of the computers?
Apple will offer a full line of upgrades, accessories, and support items at a standard educational discount. Students are encouraged to customize their laptops for their own intended patterns and level of use. For instance, heavy use of multimedia would benefit from additional RAM and hard disk space.
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Eligibility
Who is eligible to buy a laptop computer at the special price?
In addition to the students required to participate, other undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education are eligible for this discounted price, as are other students in teacher certification programs at UT Austin, faculty and staff in the College of Education, and public school teachers who mentor UT Austin students in field experiences. Individuals who are uncertain about their eligibility should check with the Office of Teacher Education in SZB 216.
I am in the UTeach Liberal Arts program. How does this requirement affect me?
The directors of the UTeach Liberal Arts program have decided that students in this program will be required to have Apple laptops as they enter UTL 303.
Is this requirement only for students in the College of Education?
No, the requirement is for students in other colleges who are seeking teacher certification, as well as those students in the College of Education who are seeking teacher certification, but again only beginning at the time of entry into the professional sequence.
I am a grad student in the College of Education and I'm not in the certification program. Do I still qualify for the apple laptop computer offer?
Yes! This offer has been extended to include undergraduate and postbacalaureate students in the College of Education and teacher preparation programs in other UT colleges, to UT College of Education faculty and staff, and to selected public school teachers who have agreed to work in the UT teacher preparation program.
Do faculty and staff qualify for the special pricing on the MacBook bundle?
Yes, College of Education faculty and staff are eligible to purchase at the indicated discounts. Some restrictions apply:
1. One per person
2. Must not be for immediate resale
Either personal or institutional funds may be used for these orders, according to departmental policy and funding availability.
I'm a public school instructor working as a mentor/cooperating teacher. How and when can I buy this laptop and will I receive the special training?
The special pricing is available to teachers collaborating with our teacher preparation program by mentoring/supervising our students. Check with your university student's cohort coordinator for details.
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Why the Laptop Initiative
Why was the requirement adopted?
Texas teachers are required to be proficient in the use of technology for instruction, and special emphasis is placed on the use of computers. Through pilot programs, the use of laptop computers has been found to make future teachers much better prepared for integrating technology into instructional practice. Laptop computers are also great tools for teaching and learning. For example, these laptops will enable teachers to collect student data, capture and display multimedia images, communicate electronically with others, capitalize on the rich resources available on the internet, build electronic portfolios, do web and desktop publishing, and teach students to use technology as they learn.
Who made this decision?
Faculty and administrators in the UT Austin teacher preparation program made the recommendation to establish this requirement, and it was approved by the UT Austin central administration.
Why does the requirement specify an Apple computer?
Negotiations were conducted with several computer manufacturers, and Apple offered a very good computer, excellent technical support and training, and the lowest price by a sizeable margin. Apple has a history of a strong presence in schools and has excellent experience in working with teachers and in curriculum development. The Apple iBook and OS X operating system suite of applications offer a particularly rich environment for multimedia applications and instruction in an easy-to-learn format.
Why does the requirement specify a single platform (operating system)?
The faculty and administration of the teacher preparation program have decided that the only feasible way to implement this requirement is to start with a single platform. This will greatly facilitate the ongoing faculty development and curriculum modification required (which must happen efficiently and rapidly to make this exciting new development successful). This decision will also facilitate technical support for students and faculty. This decision is similar to that of instructors who specify a single textbook, a certain calculator, or a specific set of drafting tools for a class. Teaching and learning is more successful if all students have comparable resources.
Are Apple computers used very much in public schools?
Different schools and districts use different kinds of computers, but most schools use some Apple computers and some Windows-based computers. The Austin Independent School District, with which our teacher preparation program partners to provide field experiences, has a significant number of Apple computers and continues to purchase more each year.
How will these computers be used in the teacher education program?
Faculty members plan their curriculum to incorporate computer usage taking advantage of this new requirement. Students can expect to be required to conduct extensive use of internet instructional resources, to use electronic publishing and data management, to develop and use multimedia materials, and to work with interactive video clips of classroom activity. The laptop computers will also be used for communication with faculty, peers, and school teachers from home, campus classrooms, and field sites in the public schools.
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Technical Help
How do I configure my Apple laptop for the 'restricted' wireless network?
The network can be set up with an automated installer or manually. See this ITS web page for instructions or come to the Laptop Help Desk for additional assistance.
Is there technical help available in the College of Education Sanchez Building?
Yes, laptop-enabled students may go to the Laptop Help Desk:
5th Floor Sánchez Building SZB 536
Phone: 471-6072
Come here first if you have questions or problems. Drop-in for assistance with Internet connections, error messages, questions about applications, or if you think your laptop is broken.
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Other Questions
Will teacher certification students be allowed to "check out" school-owned external hard drives for short periods to transfer files and work on iMovie projects?
Yes! The College of Education's Media Lab has a few external hard drives available for short-term checkout.
Will special training be offered for students and faculty?
Yes! Students, faculty, and staff in the teacher preparation program will be offered training sessions throughout the semester. The emphasis will be on maximizing the use of the laptop computers in teaching and learning, at all grade levels and subject areas.
For how long will this requirement last?
This requirement does not have a time limit. It will be continually modified to adapt to new technology developments and opportunities.
To whom should additional questions be addressed?
Additional questions should be sent to Chad Fulton.
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