Proposal

Narrative

We are requesting funding for ten Surface Pro tablets to provide more access to our students, who are working remotely in academic classes and internships. Tablets would allow our students to utilize technology to complete documentation and access databases and learning management systems. Previously, our field education office purchased 10 tablets to be used by our students in internships; these tablets are becoming dated and worn from extensive use. Our students are in even greater need right now, given the transition to remote learning for a significant portion of their programs. In fact, some of the agencies where students are placed for their internships expect the students to have computer equipment available to them, as they do not provide it for them. Masters student Leneesha Nash, stated “Using a Surface Pro from the School has lifted the financial burden of having to purchase a new laptop in the midst of COVID-19. I will be forever grateful.” While we identified resources within our School and the University for students, we still have students in need. Technology can enhance our students’ skills as social workers. We want to give our students the flexibility to engage in telehealth services with their internships, and practice in their academic courses prior to internship placement. Additional tablets will allow the ability to train our students in innovative practices while also providing the flexibility to join classes, orientations, and meetings remotely. This will continue to allow us to contribute to the FAU Strategic Plan goal of enhancing the “brand” by making seamless, interactive, and engaging. Perhaps more importantly, this aligns with the Strategic Plan goal of improving “Quality.” Our proposal will allow us to use technology to improve the quality of our students’ experience with their academic courses, internships, and ultimately better preparing them to compete in a marketplace that depends more and more on effective use of technology.

Facilities

Hardware Requirements

Item Price/Unit Quantity Total Microsoft Surface Pro 12.3" i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SDD $ 919.99 10 $ 9,190.99 Microsoft Surface Pro Type Cover keyboard $ 94.05 10 $ 940.50 Microsoft Surface Pen – stylus – Bluetooth 4.0 – black $ 72.79 10 $ 727.90 Incipio Truman Sleeve – protective sleeve for tablet $ 22.07 10 $ 220.70 Total:$ 11,080.09

Software Requirements

None

Personnel Costs

None. This will be managed by one of our Program assistants, as part of his regular duties.

Other Costs

No other costs

Timeline

Given that this is a one-time purchase, the cost and expenditures will be limited to that one time. However, the use of the tablets could be across several years, dependent on use and care.

Sustainability

Our School has previously purchased tablets through our office of field education, but this has limited their use to only students who are in their internships. This does not allow us to prepare students in their academic courses. The use of the tablets identified in the proposal will be sustainable across several years with regular check and maintain by our staff.

Resource Matching

There is no resource matching at this time.

Implementing Organization

School of Social Work