If you want to view the list of equipment we have to loan, click here.
To request equipment, please click here
Rationale: Faculty and teaching staff at NTID have indicated that they are often frustrated in their attempts to develop new instructional technologies and methods with inadequate computer . A computer that is several years old may still be fine for word processing, Web research and e-mail, but inadequate to the demands of, for example, video processing. Some newer software requires upgraded operating systems, faster video cards and more robust processing speeds. Given finite Institutional resources, we cannot expect a two or three-year turn-around on faculty computing equipment. There are times, too, when an individual may need the portability of a laptop or the improved speed of a newer machine for a specific development project over a limited time period, but is not approved for a new computer due to the limited nature of the endeavor.
In November 2004, a well-attended ITC meeting of NTID faculty revealed a strongly-expressed request for access to current and portable computers for project development. In fact, ITC encourages faculty to try new software and teaching technologies; the ability to borrow computing equipment means that more faculty have access to up-to-date hardware and software for well-defined projects over limited periods of time. The cost of the shared equipment amortizes over a greater number of projects and uses than one individual would typically support. Faculty who use the loaned equipment will also have a more accurate assessment of their future needs for computers when their departments are putting together their equipment requests. A need for a specially augmented machine or special software can be documented and buttressed with the results from a demonstration project completed with borrowed equipment. Laptops are available from the Media Services at NTID, but they are outdated: the machines are 5 - 6 years old with operating systems that are no longer supported by either Apple (in the case of the Macintoshes) or Microsoft (in the case of the PCs).
ITC expects that up to 16 faculty members could annually benefit from the use of this equipment, assuming that all four machines will be in use every quarter. Of course, there is no reason to assume that faculty won't pair up to share a machine in a joint project.
Loan Period: The loan period can vary from several weeks up to 2 quarters depending on the nature of the project. The request should specify the beginning and ending date for the equipment loan. The requestor should be willing to be put on a wait list if necessary.
Post-Activity Presentation: the requestor will present a summary of the project and its outcomes to the institute within one quarter of project completion.
Software Installation: The laptops will come with some standard software that is still to be determined by ITC. The purchase/installation of any software needed by an individual borrower beyond that standard ordinarily is the responsibility of the individual, or that person's department. The purchase price of additional software that is required for the project can be included in the equipment request. The granting of the request for the use of the computer does not guarantee that additional software will be purchased by ITC, however.
The borrower is responsible for the transfer and archiving of the Project prior to equipment return. When the laptop is returned, all additional programs will be deleted the hard drive will be restored to it s original state.
Application Process: A deadline will be established by which to submit proposals.
The ITC will serve as the committee that will review and approve request from faculty…
The project must be completed within the time frame outlined in the proposal and the equipment must be returned at that time. Extensions will probably not be available due to equipment demand.
Criteria for Project approval:
Eligibility for proposals is limited toNTID faculty and professional staff who have direct contact working with our students.
The project must demonstrate a direct effect on some aspect of student learning or teaching NTID's student population.
The requestor will complete a statement explaining the nature of the development and the expected outcomes of the project.
The requestor's Chair must approve as supporting the effort in terms of potential impact on student learning/academic support.
Proposals should specify why the project cannot be completed with existing resources.
The ITC committee will evaluate the proposals and make the final decisions.
Liability: Liability concerns fall into three areas: breakage, completion of project and guidelines for usage. The borrower will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement for any damages that are not covered under warranty.