HOW DOES ACADIA ADVANTAGE 2.0 WORK?
Students registering for classes in September will be provided a selection of Acadia-specific laptop models to purchase from Apple and Dell that will meet their academic requirements at Acadia.
Acadia's exceptional service desk support and on-site hardware service is provided on campus for all users of Acadia-specific laptops. The laptops are available for purchase through an Acadia web portal that is the entry point to Apple and Dell web stores featuring laptop pricing and configurations exclusive to Acadia students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Ten years ago, a cornerstone of the Acadia Advantage was for the University to issue a single laptop model as part of tuition to ensure that classroom, user training, user support, and hardware service could occur on a level playing field. With advancements and increases in the everyday uses of technology, the University can now provide more flexibility and focus primarily on classroom and user support as today's students are technology savvy and have indicated they want to own their laptops.
"This change accomplishes two important changes," says Dr. Tom Herman, Acadia's Vice-President Academic and acting President. "It will give our students choice in ownership, making access to our technology-rich environment more flexible, and it allows our faculty to continue to develop innovations inside the classroom and beyond."
Because of Acadia's long-term commitment to technology, its campus is different than almost any other. The Acadia Advantage comprises specialized training and user support in addition to exceptional unlimited high-speed and high-band width access throughout campus. Professors use classroom technology to deliver lectures, labs, and assignments; and students are able to use technology for their entire Acadia experience. In fact, many Acadia courses could not be taught at any other institution because access to Acadia-specific technology is such a critical feature. It is a vibrant program best seen to be appreciated.
WHAT IS THE ACADIA ADVANTAGE?
In short, the Acadia Advantage is you. Acadia's digital community has all the components necessary for you to obtain a successful 21st Century educational experience - one where you not only reach your full potential, but can achieve new heights.
You will use your laptop, the Internet, and Acadia network and course-specific software as tools to enhance course discussion and to do work inside the classroom and beyond. You will become an essential member of Acadia's technology-rich environment and its dynamic learning opportunities.
When not in the classroom you can participate in electronic chat groups, measure your knowledge through online tests, or simply surf the Internet. No waiting for a spot at a computer in a crowded lab. Unlike most universities, labs do not exist at Acadia. Your access is unlimited, 24/7 from almost any point on campus and in many locations in downtown Wolfville. Furthermore, your professors and classmates are only an email or instant message away. This ubiquitous access puts you in an exceptional environment for collaborative research and teamwork. Acadia Advantage graduates increasingly find that their workplaces value the skills and experience gained in Acadia's unique, technology-enhanced learning environment.
The possibilities are up to you and your professor. Your opportunities are endless.
HOW IS ACADIA ADVANTAGE 2.0 BE BETTER FOR ME?
Acadia Advantage 2.0 offers all the benefits of the Acadia Advantage with the addition of providing more choice to students. You get to select the laptop and service model that works best for you and you own your laptop. Your professors will continue to provide innovative teaching and technology-rich applications inside the classroom and beyond. Our level playing field and exceptional on-site software and hardware support continues.
WHY DO I NEED A SPECIFIC LAPTOP TO ATTEND ACADIA?
At Acadia University your laptop is not an accessory, it is a necessary component of your education. Because not all laptops are created equally, we continually evaluate laptop models to ensure your access to the applications required for classroom participation will be just that - equal. The use of technology may vary by course and by professor; however, your laptop is your means to connect to our unique digital community and to use Acadia-specific applications. Acadia-approved laptops are as essential as a required textbook.
WHAT LAPTOP SHOULD I BUY?
Any of the Apple or Dell laptop models listed as Acadia-specific and offered through our exclusive web stores will be more than adequate for your academic needs; however, we know that our students are individuals with different interests in research, gaming, and multimedia, so select the model that works best for you. Remember, only the Acadia-specific models will include comprehensive on-site software and hardware service and are evaluated to work with your course requirements.
HOW DID YOU DETERMINE THE ACADIA-SPECIFIC LAPTOP SELECTION?
We have worked closely with a variety of leading manufacturers and vendors to determine the best laptop and software packages to meet your academic needs. In order to ensure our course-specific applications and service desk support functions for everyone we had our students, faculty, staff and technology experts evaluate models. Thank you to those who participated in our laptop technology showcase and evaluation process in early 2008!
WILL I HAVE ON-SITE SUPPORT?
Acadia's exceptional service desk support will continue on campus for all users of Acadia-specific laptops. This includes help with software and hardware issues as per your Acadia-specific warranty with Apple or Dell. We are proud to provide on-site repair for all Acadia-specific models.
HOW MUCH WILL THE LAPTOPS COST?
Your perspective costs are available on this site; we provide a variety of makes, models, service options, as well as price and payment options. Ultimately, your selection will determine your cost.
ABOUT ACADIA
Acadia University, in Wolfville , Nova Scotia , has long been recognized as one of Canada 's premier undergraduate institutions. It is ranked Canada 's best overall primarily undergraduate university by Maclean's magazine. With its nationally and internationally recognized research initiatives, small classes and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth