I knew I shouldn't have mentioned this :-/

Any recommendation can only be accepted if it meets the criteria of being
a need arising from attendance on the course AND a need arising from the
disability. Now while I can see a case being made for a physically
disabled student requiring a laptop due to space considerations, I can't
see how such an argument can be made for a student with dyslexia. The
need for a laptop is not a need arising from the disability - available
space is a problem that would be faced by dyslexic and non-dyslexic
student alike.

Were ALL things equal (not simply cost), I don't think it would be an
issue. However they are not and never likely to be given the nature of a
laptop.

Asbestos underwear at the ready...

St.John Skeates
Awards Section
Bedfordshire County Council



 -----Original Message-----
From: Michael Trott [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2001 10:50 AM
To: [log in to unmask]; Skeates,St.John DEAL Awards Tm
Subject: Laptops - was book allowances




I don't know if anyone else has encountered this. I am geeting a lot of
requests for laptops instead of desktop computers on the grounds that
study
bedrooms are small with tiny desks (in hall or private accommodation
makes no
difference) and that a desktop PC leaves no room for eatiung or other
study
materials.
I have so far resisted this partly because I think there should be some
concensus so that we can treat all students with reasonable consistency.
There are other reasons why laptops might be unsuitable but I can see
their
point.
OK, the desktop PC addresses their need for assistance with written
expression (or whatever their particular need) but it makes life harder
for
them in other ways.
Given that a basic laptop is no more or very little more expensive that a
desktop with monitor why not consider the space issue?

When we discussed the issue of putting PC's in people's homes with the OU
DSA
staff, the assessors and the OU's staff all agreed that while OU students
frequently worked on the kitchen or dining table, they could put their
books
away at tea time. Not so, once a PC, scanner, printer etc took up space
on
the table.

Despite that fact that I can see the student's point about space, this is
one
of those semi-emotive issues that could well outrage the public as being
a
step too far and I think I'll continue to resist this request until, or
if,
the idea gains wider acceptance. For one thing it hardly seems fair to
agree
only to those who think to ask, so I would feel duty bound to raise it
with
all students, which will then almost certainly be interpreted as if I'm
offering laptops. At present I say that the space issue is not usually
accepted as one which warrants a laptop and that I don't feel able to
make
such a recommendation.

However, views change. I remember a few years ago that the 'book
allowance'
or 'learning resources allowance' was not accepted by many LEAs. As we
have
seen from the recent debate, it's now pretty much universally accepted.

Of course, there are lots of other reasons why laptops might not be
appropriate, reliability, damage, theft, ergonomics. But does anyone else
have any view on recommending laptops on the grounds of space and
convenience, all other things (including cost) being equal? And if we
agree
to the request, should we in fairness suggest them to all students?

Have fun with that one.



Michael Trott
UKASSESSMENTS
PO Box 1
Inkberrow
Worcs WR7 4EH
Tel 01386 792617
FAX 01386 793842
Mobile 0794 155 2181
Email [log in to unmask]

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