In asking the question earlier re laptops I was in fact aware of the directives and this was one of the main factors that prompted the request for information in the first place, but as I said in the data I had available was confusing to say the least. The  response I have seen to date falls more on the higher use of laptop and their growing preference for supply by assessors. As has been pointed out laptops are often requested by the student and occasionally they are prepared to pay the extra, the volume supplied in this catagory is unknown though one supplier seems to think it is not significant. 

 

The indications to date are therefore clear- the increasing supply of laptops is based almost entirely on assessors recommendations, not the willingness of the student to pay the extra. Although I suspect that the DFE recommendations are partly based on the  known cost - performance  limitations of the laptop, the ergonomic problems associated with the machines does not seem to be a factor in limiting  their supply despite extensive research and clinical proof regarding their potential to cause physical damage and distress. 

Another factor that also seems to be ignored in peoples preference toward laptops is their inability to support some forms of  ODL and E - learning resources further limiting it's flexibility and benefit.  

 

During a period where standards and guidlines are the order of the day it does seem to indicate that even if guidlines are introduced they may not have the desied effect.

 

Terry Hart

Assessor for Information Technology

& Specialist Stratagies (Disabilities)

Disability Assist Services

University of Plymouth

 

-----Original Message----- 

From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. on behalf of Bernard Doherty 

Sent: Mon 19/01/2004 13:07 

To: [log in to unmask] 

Cc: 

Subject: Re: Laptops







	It seems to surprise many students and the advisers who talk to them

	before coming for assessment, but the choice of computer is not a

	matter of the assessor's whim or the student's fancy.  There is clear

	guidance from the DfES that unless there are established disability or

	learning difficulty reasons for doing otherwise, students should have

	desktop machines.  Those interested in reading the guidance should go

	to page 8 of

	

	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport/administrators/pdf/ACFDE7.pdf

	

	I have arguments virtually every day about this issue and I'm heartily

	tired of it.  I wish everyone who believes that notebooks are

	thoroughly reliable and appropriate machines for students to be using

	would pester the DfES to change their advice.  I wish they would stop

	expecting ACCESS Centre advisers to act as if they were unaware of the

	limits imposed on LEA award officers.

	

	

	----------------------

	Bernard Doherty

	Student Adviser

	ACCESS Centre

	Anglia Polytechnic University

	

	Tel: 01223 363271 x2534

	Fax: 01223 417730

	Minicom: 01223 576155

	[log in to unmask]