U.S. Air Force Academy Selects CDW-G and Fujitsu Tablets for Incoming Cadets
CDW-G Secures Contract for Second Year; Academy's Faculty and Students Continue to Benefit from Tablet Computing Flexibility
VERNON HILLS, Ill. - September 29, 2008 - CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G), a wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation and leading source of Information Technology (IT) solutions to educators and governments, today announced that for the second year in a row, the company was selected to provide Fujitsu tablet computers to the U.S. Air Force Academy's 1,300 incoming fourth-class cadets (freshmen) and 200 faculty members under a $2.5 million contract.
"Tablet computers are the best-fit technology for the U.S. Air Force Academy. Our cadets have used them successfully for three years and our faculty for the last four years," said Larry Bryant, academic computing director, U.S. Air Force Academy. "The ability to write directly on the tablet screen makes note taking and writing equations much easier. Additionally, faculty members are increasingly going paperless, having students submit assignments electronically for quicker grading."
Faculty members across the academy have embraced the tablet technology for its ability to enhance the educational experience. More professors are moving towards having cadets take tests directly on the tablets. For example, a computer science faculty member developed a program that is loaded onto each student's thumb drive, along with the programming test cadets will take. The program locks down the tablet computer so that notes and other resources cannot be accessed during the test, and it encrypts the student's work on the thumb drive. While grading, the faculty member can not only view the student's software code, but also run the program, adding a dimension to the evaluation process that was not possible previously.
"It is difficult for faculty to evaluate a student's programming skills without running the program the student has written," noted Bryant. "Using the flash drive, faculty can view the written code and evaluate the program while it is in operation to quickly assess what's missing. The feedback for students is invaluable."
"CDW-G is pleased to be a part of the academy's computing success again this school year by providing best-in-class technology that closely aligns with the academy's academic requirements," said Chris Rother, group vice president, public sector, CDW-G. "We see more and more higher education institutions selecting tablet computers for their students and faculty. The tablets' flexibility enables students to use the keyboard for traditional word processing and document management, and to use the write-on screen for more fluid learning in math and the sciences."
The U.S. Air Force Academy maintains a thorough and competitive selection process for its tablet-computing program, each year seeking the best technology solution for its demanding academic programs. The academy's selection committee is comprised of a faculty member from each academic division, as well as the academy's director of academic computing and chief information officer. The committee invites technology providers to submit one computer model that meets the academy's specifications, including processing power, graphics quality, battery power and other key functionalities. After an initial review, the committee selects its finalists and invites them to demonstrate their proposed models. Committee members evaluate the models and make the annual contract award to the provider submitting the best-fit technology.
CDW-G submitted the Fujitsu LifeBook T4220 for the 2007 and 2008 contract award. The LifeBook T4220 features a 12.1-inch bright display with greater than 160° viewing angles, the latest IntelŽ CentrinoŽ Duo Mobile Technology, built-in Wi-FiŽ Certified Wireless LAN and a built-in modular bay for a media drive or second battery. CDW-G custom configured each unit with the academy's software image, including its sophisticated engineering applications.
About CDW-G
A wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation, ranked No. 39 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies, CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G) is a leading provider of technology solutions for federal, state and local government agencies, as well as educational institutions at all levels. The company features dedicated account managers who help customers choose the right technology products and services to meet their needs. The company's technology specialists and engineers offer expertise in designing customized solutions, while its advanced technology engineers can assist customers with the implementation and long-term management of those solutions. Areas of focus include notebooks, desktops, printers, servers and storage, unified communications, security, wireless, power and cooling, networking, software licensing and mobility solutions.
For more information about CDW-G product offerings, procurement options, service and solutions, call 1.800.808.4239, email cdwgsales@cdwg.com or visit the CDW-G Web site at CDWG.com.
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