ABOUT
A 2007 ECAR Study notes that virtually all students report owning a computer. In addition, an astounding 74% reported owning a laptop or notebook computer and spending an average of 18 hours a week online. It's not just for convenience, another 59% report that IT is being use at least moderately in their academic courses.
Recognizing that computing plays an important role in higher education, ODU recently adopted a expectation regarding student computer ownership. Rather than a mandatory ownership requirement, Old Dominion's expectation states a minimum set of functional requirements computers must meet in order to effectively use the information technology resources offered in the University's computing environment.
Since students are already personally investing in technology, ODU's program aims to guide them through the process of selecting and maintaining a notebook computer that works with our essential academic tools such as Blackboard and Leo Online.
The ODU Mobile Monarch Notebook Program is the reliable source for purchase and support.
ODU is building the Mobile Monarch Program according to the best practices of other successful programs. Successful programs include at least two parts. First, a purchase option for those students (or their parents) who want to make sure they have the right system - and want the campus to tell them what that is. Second, the program must offer strong support for the time the student will be on campus.
It's also important to note the campus will continue to support, maintain, and upgrade the 15 campus labs.
Other Options Available
Generic system specifications for both the Windows and Macintosh platforms are available. Incoming students may also choose to take the generic specifications and make their purchases elsewhere.