Need a laptop? Students who meet the requirements are able to receive a free laptop from CSUDH, Technology Checkout Program.
Many courses expect or require that students have access to the internet in order to successfully complete the required coursework. However, not every student has the financial means to have an equal access to technology.
Computers are a necessary component of education, and the Division of Information Technology (DIT) recognizes that. For this reason, the Technology Checkout Program was created. The program offers a range of free devices on a first-come, first-served basis to those who meet the qualification requirements.
“With this program we try to provide access [to technological devices] for students without having to pay any fees. We provide a variety of devices that the students might need,” Jovanny Gonzalez, Information Technology Consultant at the Technology Checkout Program, said.
General technology devices that are available for checkout based on eligibility for students are Dell Latitude laptops and MacBook Pro 13-inch computers. These devices can be checked out for the entire semester.
The Technology Checkout Program is located in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics building NSM C-131 and C-139 on the first level. To check out a device is simple, all you need to do is reserve a device online and make an appointment to pick it up.
The program hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 6 p.m. for the Fall and Spring sessions and Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Summer and Winter sessions.
In today’s world, incorporating technology into the classroom is the norm. With the use of technology, students’ collaboration and communication have improved, and independent personalized learning is promoted. Technology is a key tool to aid in education- al success. The Technology Checkout Program is dedicated to providing students with the resources they need to pursue higher education.
Marcello Calderon, a first-year CSUDH student, heard about the Technology Checkout program through a CSUDH newsletter as well as all of the signs around campus. He explained how his education is benefitting from the use of a computer he recently checked out from the program.
“With this computer I can organize my work better,” Calderon said.
The computer Calderon checked out from the program is his primary source of technology as his other device is broken. The computer has all of the software and storage Calderon needs for his classes already downloaded whereas his other device did not.
A lack of access to technology should not be an obstacle in the way of a student’s achievement. Now living in a post-pandemic world, many courses continue to remain a hybrid or entirely virtual classroom, posing barriers to students who do not have access to a device.
CSUDH worked to eliminate barriers and enhance student achievements by creating the Technology Checkout Program. One of the many things among CSUDH’s highest priorities is equal opportunity, and the mission of the Technology Checkout Program is just that.
