Requiring Laptop Computers: Aviation Student Perceptions

Laptop initiatives at colleges and universities have remained in low numbers despite increases in the technology and decreases in the costs. The purpose of this study was to analyze student perceptions of a university mandated laptop program which requires students to purchase an approved laptop, software, and technical support. The results of a survey administered to aviation students (n=793) indicate an overall perception of value and approval for a laptop program. However, the study did reveal variances between different subsets of students. Accordingly, laptop programs and initiatives must be carefully constructed in order to be sensitive to various groups of students.