Enhancing Flexibility and Efficiency in Teaching and Learning
The Mobile Computing Initiative (MCI) at Dickinson is a transformative project aimed at modernizing our campus teaching and learning environment. By transitioning from traditional computer-equipped classrooms to a more flexible and cost-effective Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) approach, the MCI offers increased flexibility, efficiency, and innovation for instruction. This initiative not only reduces the college’s computer hardware costs but also empowers faculty and students with greater control over their instructional and learning tools. In essence, faculty will bring their college-owned laptop to class for instruction and students will bring their personally-owned laptops to class for coursework. Users will connect their laptops to 24-inch Tech Hubs which will replace the current classroom desktop computers. The Tech Hubs will not only power and charge user laptops, but also provide users dual monitor functionality and a desktop experience with a full keyboard and mouse.
Progress to Date
The MCI was announced in the Spring of 2024, and since then, significant progress has been made:
Classroom Status Dashboard
Thank you to all who submitted input to the classroom technology use survey. Your feedback has been invaluable in helping shape the future of Dickinson’s instructional landscape.
The MCI working group has reviewed all submissions and followed up with most contributors to discuss instructional spaces identified as potentially needing to retain existing computers and to explore options aligned with instructional needs and goals. While a few conversations are still ongoing, the dashboard linked below is now available outlining the planned changes and current statuses of instructional spaces across campus. (note: if you believe a room’s status is listed in error, please do not hesitate to reach out.)
Classroom Software Access (Virtual Lab)
The Dickinson Virtual Lab, powered by Propeller cloud technology, provides students and employees with a full Windows computer experience accessible through any standard web browser. This virtual solution allows you to access campus computing resources from anywhere, making it easier than ever to use the tools you need, whenever you need them - this is the heart of the Mobile Computing Initiative. Whether you're on a Chromebook, Mac, or PC, the Virtual Lab lets you run Windows-based, college-provided software without worrying about the specs of your own device.
Employee Laptop Loaner Program
A limited number of Windows and MacBook laptops will be avaialble for employees to temporarily loan in order to facilitate project work, take the place of systems which are being repaired, and/or for use by employee-invited guests of the college for presentations or group work. The Employee Loaner Laptop Program will be offered in conjunction with Library Services starting in the Fall of 2025.
Faculty Laptop Deployment
To facilitate instruction in classrooms where college-provided computers will be removed during the summer of 2025, the annual employee computer replacement process has shifted towards providing laptops for faculty and instructors. This process has already begun and will continue into next year, with the goal of all faculty and instructors having laptops by the start of the Fall 2025 semester.
Student Laptop Loaner Program
The college is increasing the number of loaner laptops available for students who need them, whether for temporary situations like a broken device or for longer periods for students who do not own a computer. Students may approach the User Services Help Desk to loan out a laptop.
Tech Hubs
Laptop and mobile device screens, are not always adequate for every computing purpose or prolonged use. To address this in the MCI transition, traditional classroom computers are being replaced by Tech Hubs—versatile, high-definition Dell 24-inch USB-C Hub Monitors that transform any compatible device into a full desktop workstation.
Tech Hubs can be effortlessly connected to any USB-C-equipped laptop running Windows, macOS, Linux, or Chome OS, as well as to mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets. They enhance productivity by offering options for mirrored or extended dual-monitor displays, external keyboard and mouse integration, and an ergonomic workspace. Additionally, they provide seamless charging to keep devices powered while in use.
Mobile Computing Pilots
A limited pilot program is underway for the Spring 2025 semester to gauge real-world student and faculty laptop use in the teaching and learning environment, assess student use of Propeller, and evaluate laptop loaner pool capacity. This evaluation will help identify any areas for improvement and ensure the effectiveness and satisfaction of the MCI.
TRENDS Technology Request Process
The Technology Request and Development Subcommittee (TRENDS) is a subcommittee of the Information and Technology Services Committee (ITSC) which is responsible for evaluating and approving technology requests for teaching, research, or administrative needs. It aims to support technology decision-making collaboratively, intentionally, and equitably across the college's administrative and academic units. The TRENDS page, including an FAQ and the request submission form, can be found here.
Implementation Plan
The full implementation of the MCI will take effect in the Fall of 2025. Below is an outline of the implementation plan:
Spring 2024 - Summer 2024
- ITSC completes a Technology Request process framework and policy to allow faculty and staff to request new technology.
- ITS working group begins planning the phases of the MCI transition.
- Build and test the Propeller streaming software solution.
- Begin targeted communications to student-facing departments regarding the student personal laptop requirement starting Fall 2025.
- Communicate with faculty about a small software streaming pilot for the Fall 2024 semester.
- Begin deploying laptops to faculty who only have desktop computers.
- Build TRENDS technology request backend platform.
Fall 2024
- Continue planning and communicating progress.
- Continue faculty laptop deployments.
- Monitor small software streaming pilot.
- Communicate with faculty regarding larger software streaming pilot for the Spring 2024 semester.
- Implement student laptop loaner pool.
- Plan and test instructor laptop A/V functionality options for instruction.
- Consider student personal computing support options.
- Begin faculty feedback process on computer use in classroom and teaching spaces.
- TRENDS technology request process begins.
Spring 2025
- Continue communicating progress.
- Continue faculty laptop deployments.
- Monitor large software streaming pilot.
- Increase student laptop loaner pool.
- Analyze and discuss faculty feedback on computers in classroom and teaching spaces.
- Communicate with faculty and student-facing departments about the classroom system drawdown planned for summer 2025.
- Offer training for instructor laptop A/V functionality for instruction.
Summer 2025
- Finish faculty laptop deployments.
- Increase student laptop loaner pool.
- Build employee laptop loaner pool.
- Remove identified classroom systems.
Fall 2025
- Begin full MCI, monitor progress, and adapt as needed.
Implementation Team
- Greg Berrier, Student Technology Specialist
- Ryan Burke, Web Development Specialist
- Andrew Connell, Director of User Services
- Keith Hoffman, Associate Director of Infrastructure Systems
- Isaac Lopp, Associate Director of User Services
- Bill Milberry, Computing Specialist
- Katelin Moul, Computing Specialist
- Mike Nacko, Network Systems Analyst
- Skip Padgett, LAN Administration Specialist
- Marianna Schaffer, Computing Specialist
- Brenda Steely, Help Desk Specialist
- Minda Tolentino, Computing Specialist
Contact and Support
We appreciate your support and cooperation as we work to enhance our campus technology and learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns about the Mobile Computing Initiative, please do not hesitate to contact us.