Acadia
University makes current technology available to community
For Release: July 19, 2002
(Wolfville,
NS) - This fall Acadia University will provide new IBM
notebook computers for all students. Acadia took this opportunity to
spread technology across the Maritimes through the sale of the
current notebook computers to the public.
The response was
tremendous, with educational institutions, community groups and
small businesses taking advantage of the opportunity. The most
interesting group of purchasers were parents of students attending
other universities. Without the Acadia Advantage these university
students can face long hours in campus computer labs. Local fire
departments, the Wolfville School, Windsor Elementary, Hants West
High School and the Halifax Discovery Centre are just a few other
institutions that took advantage of this unique offer.
“Due to the excellent
price Acadia offered we were able to purchase 14 notebook computers,
allowing greater infusion of technology in our school. The notebooks
are already being used for one-on-one resource work with students,
lesson planning and for PowerPoint presentations at our assemblies,”
says Michael Landry, vice-principal of the Wolfville School.
Approximately 900
notebook computers, complete with operating system software, were
sold. Once the campus community was alerted word of mouth took the
news beyond provincial borders.
“We are very excited
and surprised about the positive response. Our phones didn’t stop
ringing for two weeks. Technology-wise these notebook computers are
still current and we only sold those in top condition. It is like
getting a brand new computer at a discount price. This was an
excellent opportunity for community groups to obtain up-to-date
technology,” says Kim Rose, Manager of User Support Services at
Acadia.
As part of the Acadia
Advantage Program students receive the latest software yearly and a
new notebook computer every second year. Through a lease agreement
with IBM Acadia is able to buy these used notebooks. The computers
were made available at an approximate cost of $700.
The Acadia Advantage
program is a revolutionary initiative that incorporates the latest
computer and Internet technology into the classroom. Launched in
1996, the Acadia Advantage encompasses every discipline offered by
the University. Acadia students receive IBM ThinkPad computers for
their use as an integral part of their learning experience during
the academic year. Students can connect to the Internet from any
location on campus to download class notes, participate in chat
groups or e-mail professors. The Acadia Advantage infrastructure is
unparalleled across Canada and is at the forefront of undergraduate
education technology in North America. By offering a total immersion
in the application of information technology to all undergraduate
students, Acadia has taken a leadership role in innovation and
excellence in the education.
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For more information contact:
Sheri Woodland
Communications Manager
Office of Public Affairs
Acadia University
(902) 585-1362
Acadia
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