ASAUDIT Presentation - Student Laptop Project

PROJECT

DATE PRESENTER14-16 SEPTEMBER, 2010 DEON VAN DER MERWE

STUDENT LAPTOP PROJECTASAUDIT CONFERENCE, NWU

Wednesday 15 September 2010

ScenariosLaptops part of University Offering

Unisa (Indiv.) / Vendor Partnership

Universities / Vendor Partnership

National Initiative


SCENARIO ONELaptops part of University Offering


Laptops part of University Offering

Students are provided with laptops as part of their courseware pack at registration.

All resources, including courseware are preloaded on the computer.

Places a heavy burden on University resources.


Laptops part of University Offering

Can only be attained if resources and funds, currently being invested in the other areas are redirected.

Student funding/loans big risk

Institution has total control over all aspects of the provision of technology and courseware to the students.

Preliminary investigations indicated that this might be financially viable, if done on a large scale and funds are redirected.


SCENARIO TWOUnisa (Individual) / Vendor Partnership


Unisa (Individual) / Vendor Partnership

General

Unisa outsources the provision of the technology to either a single vendor or consortium of synergistic partners, to provide a full service as stipulated below:

Providers are identified through an open tender process.

It is also suggested that more than one, maximum four, vendors be appointed to provide students with a choice of suppliers.



Service provider /consortium must provide:

Range of possible laptops, netbooks and possibly mobile devices.

Country-wide technical support for hardware and standard software (walk in service).

Telephonic Helpdesk/Call-center facilities for hardware and standard software support.




Internet connectivity (Wireless, 3G, etc.) – must have National coverage.

Financing/Loan scheme for students which could include regular short-term loans or contracts for solutions as provided by Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C, etc.




Marketing to students in collaboration with University.

Will NOT provide learning platform/infrastructure and academic content to students.

Other value added services approved by University.

Insurance.

Preload computers with software provided or specified by University.



Unisa’s role is as follows:

Negotiate best pricing possible for computer, OS and basic software.

Verify that students are registered with the University.

Underwrite selected providers.

Assist with unbiased marketing of services to students.



Unisa’s role is as follows:

Provide software configuration specs for computers before shipment to student.

Provide learning platform/infrastructure.

Academic content.



Students will be responsible for:

Obtain student verification letter from Unisa.

Engage with vendor to obtain computer.

Present student card and hand in student verification to vendor when purchasing computer (latter may be computerized).



Students will be responsible for:

Obtain contact information for technical assistance from vendor and location of closest vendor technical service centre.

Arrange for funding with the vendor if required.

Contact vendor to assist with all technical problems.

Engage with Unisa on academic, student admin and learner support related issues only.


SCENARIO THREEUniversities / Vendor Partnership


Universities / Vendor Partnership

This scenario will be very similar to the previous one, except that Universities will negotiate with vendors as a collective.

Increased bargaining power.

Collective expertise.

“Monopolize market”, forcing vendors to provide best prices to university students.

Force successful vendors to provide quality services Nationally.


SCENARIO FOURNational Initiative

TEXT


Although this scenario seems to be extremely ambitions, it has been done very successfully in Portugal through the “Magellan” project.

1.3 million computers with broadband connectivity were rolled out to scholars and students.

Their Prime Minister sponsored the project and both government and all the major telecommunications providers were totally committed to the success of the project.

National Initiative


Key role-players in the Magellan project are prepared to assist South Africa, should we want to pursue a similar initiative.

A project of this nature will however require commitment from government, major telco providers and educational institutions nation wide.

A similar project is already underway in South Africa, called the “Teacher Laptop Initiative”.

National Initiative


RecommendationScenario 3, moving to 4: Universities collaborate with vendors to provide best offering for our students, whilst actively promoting national initiative.


Discussion


Education

ASAUDIT Presentation - Student Laptop Project