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 began in classrooms in the Fall of 2025.
As we wrap up the first year of the MCI, we would love to hear about your experience. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. It covers your use of Tech Hubs, the Virtual Lab, and your overall teaching and learning experience this year. Your feedback will directly inform how we improve the MCI experience going forward.
Faculty: Mobile Computing Initiative (MCI) - Year 1 Reflection Survey
Student: Mobile Computing Initiative (MCI) – Year 1 Reflection Survey
The survey will be open through Friday, May 8. It should take about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Thank you.
Classroom Status Dashboard
The Classroom Status Dashboard shows the technology available in campus classrooms: some retaining computers, while others offer Tech Hubs for a flexible mobile experience.
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 are 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 may be acquired at the User Services Help Desk during regular business hours or the Library Circulation Desk after hours.
Student Computer Purchase Recommendations
To support coursework and new classroom technology models, students are strongly encouraged to bring a personal laptop to campus. The Student Computer Purchase Recommendations page outlines recommended laptop specifications based on academic program needs, offers warranty advice, and provides information on available hardware and software discounts.
Student Laptop Loaner Program
The college has increased 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.
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 - Spring 2026
- 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.