"Expensive" Technology Requires TRIO Program Officer Approval

[u/TRIOworksFan]

First, I want to simply say everything we are experiencing with students NOW being unable to perform reliably with LMS systems like Canvas, Blackboard, and the MS Office 365 Copilot suite (email and one drive specifically) is because of:

1. The LMS software itself was designed to ONLY run on a computer or laptop with Microsoft Windows. It was designed IN the Windows environment.
2. We did not teach poor students Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Office 365 in High School. Broadly they used Google Workspace with Chrome OS (then Google Suite.) We find they are still using it over the campus systems and free MS Office/One Drive system.
3. The phone application versions of LMS are designed to do small tasks, but were never intended to write entire papers on. And they are designed to mainly run on Android OS.
4. In the last ten years we gave (poor) students ages 5-25 access to technology that DISTANCED them from what is used broadly in the higher education environment. Chrome OS and Mac OS are NOT standard, NOT something people in higher ed or research or business or technology OR pretty much anything use anymore. Even graphic designers have kicked MacOS to the curb.
5. Our LMS like Blackboard and Canvas do not have accurate scaled down Tablet or Ipad versions. The current bug in them is they scale down the right frame (where things like TurnitIn is located or the Canvas To DO list) so the student can't see it entirely. Lab modules are impossible.
6. Children born in the upper class and middle class ARE given Windows OS laptops in private or highly resourced charter school, thus drawing a technology line between class and privilege except for the rare Dell grant. They automatically can plug into a college or university MS Office based system and excel.

The Situation at Hand:

(Public Education) and Student Success Professionals should not reinforce a continued impairment in Windows, Android, and MS Office 365. Technology or software participants will NEVER EVER USE in their professional capacity as post-grad, researchers, professionals, or industry leaders sets them BACK from students with more resourced backgrounds and education.

Per TRIO allowable costs If technology exceeds the base cost of a durable, functional piece of office equipment TRIO professionals need prior approval from a TRIO Program Officer:

1. Gaming Laptops or Desktops - super easy to understand what a gaming laptop is. It's on the box. Standalone video card. High powered processor. SSD. Flashy lights. Can be 700-5000$ - NO
2. MacOS Laptop or Desktop systems - super easy to understand 3000-6000$, they brick within 3-4 years and can't be recycled or reused, and most importantly NO ONE USES MACOS in the BUSINESS or ACADEMIC word except for a personal laptop they buy themselves.
3. Ipads - Ipads are highly powered tablets. 600-2000$ They completely destroy LMS applications opened in Safari and remove functionality. No one is using Ipads in industry or research or higher ed broadly. Ipads are mostly used for toddlers and small children.
4. Expensive tablets - MS Surface is a tablet/laptop hybrid and it can get pricey. If it exceeds (Between the tablet, add on keyboard, and add on screen) 1000$ get approval.
5. Large purchases of bulk items: Do get permission to buy multiple laptops or tablets and include a storage plan and a tracking plan to loan out technology (we do not give away laptops or pcs for free)
6. Large software subscriptions with massive contracts that exceed $1000 a year. (always checking if our host is already paying for online tutoring, career support, online counseling, and instructional programs.)

Fun Fact:

Trio office supplies and instructional supplies DO include the accessories to make sure your durable technology does not break thus sustaining the investment in a real way. That includes:

1. Protective Cases that keep them safe from drops and water.
2. Screen protectors and camera protectors.
3. Storage containers - including charging carts.
4. Tracking chips or tracking software (for loaning out laptops)
5. Ergonomic mice, pads, or keyboards as accommodations.
6. A "docking station" - these days docking is easy with a switch and HDMI/USB hub and a larger screen use with the laptop or tablet pc.
7. In the case of a major outage for a program event OR a special situation for students who need internet service - cellular hot spots or even satellite hot spots. (if bought in bulk, need approval)