UTHSC College of Nursing Computer-Related Requirements and Services for Students This handout outlines the computer equipment and skills you will need for your Nursing program. It also lists the computer-related services you will receive from the College of Nursing and the University in general. WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE Computer hardware and software requirements. Each student in the College of Nursing is required to have a laptop computer and Internet access. Based on the hardware and software your Nursing professors use and will expect you to use, the college has compiled a list of minimum hardware and software recommendations that your laptop should meet or exceed. Please go to http://www.utmem.edu/nursing/future%20students/documents/computer_software_requirements.pdf for this list. If you already own a laptop, the list will help ensure that your current system is sufficient. If you do not own a laptop, refer to this list when you are ready to purchase. PDA requirements. BSN students are required to purchase a personal digital assistant (PDA) that has the Palm operating system. Please go to http://www.utmem.edu/nursing/future%20students/documents/pda_requirements.pdf for the minimum specifications your PDA should meet. The recommended model is the Palm Tungsten E2 handheld. Its approximate cost before taxes is $199 (as of March 1, 2007). Please remember that you are not required to purchase this exact model. Just make sure your selection meets or exceeds this model's specifications. Basic computer knowledge and skills. Computer literacy is the ability to efficiently utilize a personal computer for coursework. This includes, but is not restricted to, the following skills: understanding basic computer terminology (ex. window, icon, left- and right-click, taskbar, browser, address bar) installing and configuring software accessing the Internet (connecting via an Internet service provider such as AOL, BellSouth, Comcast, etc.) utilizing Internet resources such as email (sending and receiving messages, subscribing to listservs, opening attachments) and the World Wide Web uploading and downloading files printing troubleshooting common problems Technology orientation packet. Please note that you are expected to possess these capabilities. If you do not, and if you rely on others to do these things for you, then you can expect to experience some difficulties during your studies. One way of improving your computer literacy will be to complete the technology orientation packet you will soon receive if you choose to join our college. It contains many practice exercises to prepare you for the types of technology tasks you will be asked to complete throughout your studies. It is strongly recommended that you complete the packet even if you feel that you are already computer-literate. WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE Computer services at the university. The follow services will be available to you as a student: NetID – You will be assigned this unique identifier that permits secure access to a variety of Web-based applications (ex. Student Information System, email, software downloads, etc.). Email – Each UT student receives an email account with 10MB of storage space. Wireless capabilities – Many areas on campus support a wireless Internet connection. General Stores – Students can go there to purchase hardware and software at discounted prices. Computer lab – The lab allows for free printing and is open 24 hours a day. Technology assistance – The college's Innovative Technology Services group is here to help you from orientation to graduation. The university also has a general help desk. An online "classroom". Your professors will use an online course management system called Blackboard to supplement your class time. Blackboard can be used to store and retrieve documents (such as a syllabus), communicate with class members, and even take tests or check grades. You will be successful at Blackboard if you have the basic computer skills described above. As Blackboard is completely Internet-based, your Web skills will be of especial significance to your ability to learn and use this system.