Campus Use of Technology a National Trend

But public universities might be fighting an uphill battle.

Private universities often have the funding and freedom to implement sweeping moves like computer initiatives, experts say. But public universities are accountable to lawmakers and laymen alike.

UNC-Chapel Hill's Carolina Computing Initiative -- which requires incoming freshmen to have laptops and provides a computer for those in financial need -- is a variation of the norm, and it's likely to remain that way.

"It's harder to be a trendsetter today," said Jay Dominick, chief information officer for information services at Wake Forest University. "It is vastly more difficult for state schools to do things like this."

Although most schools -- public and private -- don't require computers, they strongly recommend that students bring them.

Many have made sweeping infrastructure changes with thousands of miles of wires retrofitted into buildings older than the students who use them. But representatives at many schools say they aren't ready to require computers.

Georgia Institute of Technology officials have debated whether to require that students have a computer, said Renita Washington, academic assistant in math, science and engineering at Georgia Tech.

"(Students) are not required to bring computers to school," Washington said. "But we suggest that they do. Most of the students bring them to campus anyway." Students at Georgia Tech have high-speed Internet access in their residence hall rooms.

The university has set up labs in locations across campus and has an expansive help desk to provide assistance, but lines in labs get long when exam time looms, she said.

Other schools have similar policies and problems. Duke University "does not require students to have a computer, but strongly encourages it," the Office of Information Technology's Web site states.

Florida State University undergraduates have high-speed Internet connections in their residence hall rooms and access to four 50-terminal computer labs on campus. Officials contend that programs like CCI aren't necessary for academic success.

Wake Forest University, a private school in Winston-Salem, started a computing program for students in 1995, three years before UNC.

Students receive a laptop -- which is included in the cost of tuition -- as a freshman then trade that one in for a new computer as a junior.

It would be difficult for the university to provide lab services for all of its 5,000 students -- especially at peak times, Dominick said. He added that having a personal computer is easier for students. "Have you ever tried typing a paper in a computer lab?"

Dominick said the university's initiative adds to its prestige -- and competitiveness. "Part of the purpose (of the computing program) was to be a trendsetter," he said.

Carl Baker, director of academic computing and network services at FSU, said the highest priority of administrators is providing students with fast Internet access, not competing with other universities. "I wouldn't say it was just to keep up with the Joneses as much as it was to provide the best services for those who attend here," he said.

But Dominick said providing students with computers makes institutions like UNC more appealing to potential students. "For a large school like Chapel Hill that competes with other national public schools, the ability to set yourself apart as a leader is very important," he said. "This is one way to differentiate yourself in that realm. There is no other public university in the nation with a comprehensive computer program."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.