On April 29, 2003, the Executive Curriculum Committee of the Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health adopted a computer ownership policy for incoming medical students. The policy requires that all students own a Windows-based laptop computer with wireless capability, have access to a broadband internet at home, access to a printer at home, and Microsoft Office software.

Rationale:

• The Integrated pathway uses WebCT, an internet-based educational tool, for storage of curricular materials and faculty interaction.
• The Integrated pathway is moving to include wireless in-class activities which should be available by the 2004-5 academic year.
• The Independent Study pathway is moving from a paper module format to WebCT.
• WebCT files are multi-megabyte in size and require broadband access.
• The student will be required to conduct current literature searches from the National Library of Medicine’s Internet access as part of the curriculum and emphasis on evidence-based medicine.
• The student must be able to print material from the Internet as well as produce written assignments without reliance on centrally-located equipment.

The Office of Financial Aid includes the following items in the normal medical student budget:

• $1800 every four years for a new computer/printer
• $25 per month for broadband access
  • Typical costs for broadband in Columbus are $40/month. This budget assumes that the student has a roommate capable of sharing costs.
• Printer cartridges and paper

Current college facilities for computer use during the two preclinical years include:

• Wireless access encompassing 160 Meiling, the Med 1 Integrated Pathway auditorium
• Planned addition of wireless access for 112 Meiling, the Med 2 auditorium, for 2004-5.
• Wireless access in the Meiling basement student lounge and canteen area
• Ethernet access at each desk in the Independent Study Program library
• A small student computer lab in the basement of Meiling Hall with desktop PC’s and Ethernet access for laptops (in addition to a synching station for PDA’s)

Minimum requirements:

• Windows-based laptop with wireless capability
  • Apple/Mac computers are not supported by Information Services and may not interact well with the standard software programs of the College.
• 512 RAM, Pentium 1.3 or 1.6 processor, 40 to 80 MB hard drive
• Ethernet for access to broadband
• Broadband internet access for the student’s home or apartment
• Any type of HP printer that fits the student’s budget
• This recommendation is based on durability and compatibility with most computers
• Software -- Windows XP, Internet Explorer (not Netscape), Microsoft Office 2000

The student may acquire any type of equipment which meets these minimum requirements. If assistance in choosing a computer is desired, please click here