Come study with us and you can use a laptop for free!
Computer perk conditional to academic results
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By Elina Kervinen
“I spent my last money on a computer. Now I can sell it, and pay off my rent”, says Henri Losoi, a first-year student at the University of Helsinki.
He has just been given use of a miniature laptop on a trial basis. The university’s Department of Computer Science will soon lend such computers to 150 new students.
Henri’s brother Sami Losoi is also interested in the welcome gift.
“Many do not have a computer of their own, so this is really a great thing. Besides, the tables of the lecture halls are really very small, that is why a small computer is better.”
More institutions than before are luring students with computers. In addition to the university’s Computer Science Department, computers are being granted to students by the upper secondary schools in Joutsa in Central Finland, and Ylitornio in the north. Students of the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi have been offered laptops since 2004.
“Part of the idea has undoubtedly been that of attracting students. The condition for getting a computer has been that the person is a full-time basic degree student with us”, says Maarit Tenhunen, an assistant at the University of Lapland.
Tenhunen says that the main reason for providing the computers has been that of giving support to studies. The computers have mainly benefited art students, who need expensive special software to produce their projects.
Director Hannu Toivonen at the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Helsinki says that the free computer scheme is not a marketing gimmick. Information about the laptop came as a complete surprise to the students themselves.
“We wanted to keep it a secret at first. It was then a pleasant surprise for many at the first orientation lecture. Some sighed that they were just planning to buy one of those”, Toivonen says.
He is not afraid that the devices might distract the attention of students during lectures.
“Some students have had laptops along with them during lectures, and there have been no problems.
The hope is that the computers will add to the efficiency of university studies. They can be used in taking notes, and in operating software needed during studies, Toivonen emphasises.
The computers will have software that translates programming languages such as Java and Scala, as well as a tool for planning databases. In addition, it is possible to copy material related to courses in the first year of studies into the laptop.
The bulk order of the computers cost the department EUR 50,000.
Toivonen says that the acquisition was possible only now, because the new, small laptops that have come on the market are significantly cheaper than older models.
The computers do not become the property of the students, and are to be returned to the university when the studies are over. There are other strings attached as well. If the student does not earn 25 study credits by the spring, he or she will have to give the computer back, or at least provide a credible explanation.
“The student can naturally do whatever he or she pleases with the computer, even though it is intended for study. However, if it appears that the student is not studying at all, then he or she will not need a computer from us”, Toivonen says.
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 29.8.2008
ELINA KERVINEN / Helsingin Sanomat
elina.kervinen@hs.fi
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| 2.9.2008 - THIS WEEK |
 Come study with us and you can use a laptop for free! |
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