The Purpose: To graduate students that are as fully computer literate as possible and to provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to use technologies in their future musical involvements and teaching/learning situations.
The Concept: To create a cohort of students that will use specified hardware and software to participate in a variety of in class and out of class activities. Cohort members will be required to own the specified hardware/software and through using these will experience a wide range of innovative ways to approach music making.
Hardware/Software: Music majors interested in joining the Fall 2007 Cohort will need an Apple laptop that is capable of running Apple’s iLife 6 (GarageBand, iTunes, iMovie, iChat, iDVD and iWeb) and iWork (Pages and Keynote) suites of software. The recommended laptop is the Intel MacBook Core 2 Duo. We have arranged a purchase plan through the USF computer store where the MacBook can be bought at a discount. Computers bought at the bookstore through this plan will come with all the basic software necessary for Cohort activities. The USF computer store also has a payment plan available.
Cohort Activities: In addition to course assignments completed with technology, students in the cohort will take part in scheduled workshops. Workshop topics will vary, but could include software tutorials, music, video, podcasting, web, DVD projects, OS operation sessions, etc. Workshops will be run by Lisa Lehmberg, the SOM Laptop Initiative coordinator, various music faculty, and Apple educators. Cohort members will be encouraged to work together with each other to complete examples of projects introduced during workshops.
Timetable: The first Cohort will form at the start of the fall semester in 2007. Times will be announced during the first week of classes.
Cost: There is no fee or cost of any kind to join the Laptop Initiative. The only requirements are having the required hardware and software, and a desire to learn.
Why Apple? The Apple MacBooks have many advantages. They are small and light. They come standard with a powerful sound card with sufficient video memory to run music and video applications. Music, photo, video, dvd, web and chat software are included. Both wireless and bluetooth technologies are included. They come standard with a CD/DVD burner. Apple laptops have the best reliability record among all companies, and are more stable and secure than computers running only Windows (and you can run windows on the MacBook!). From an artistic point of view, Apple’s laptops have an elegance unmatched in the computer business.
How do I buy a laptop through the USF Computer Store? Simply get an Enrollment Form from Dr. Williams in the School of Music office and take it to the Computer Store.
School of Music Package
(available through the USF Computer Store)
MacBook 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Due - White
with 1GB memory, 120GB hard drive, double-layer DVD burner
including 3-year AppleCare Protection Plan, a DVI to VGA display adapter, and iWork ’06
total cost: $1369.23
you can also take advantage of Apple’s iPod rebate program (free iPod!)
a couple of notes: if you are planning on purchasing a computer, and not using the School of Music Package, it is highly recommended that you consider including the AppleCare Protection Plan. You will need the DVI to VGA display adapter in order to connect to a projector for presentations. Also, keep in mind that the iWork ’06 software is required for participation in the Laptop Initiative.
email Dr. Williams with any questions: dwilliams@arts.usf.edu