Student Survey - Winter 2012

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Survey Interpretation

Computer Lab Management (CLM) annually surveys students who use the campus computer rooms. This data may be useful in determining what computer the "average" student owns and what the campus should support.

  • Computer ownership among students remained close to universal at 99%.
  • Laptop ownership has increased dramatically since Winter 2003 and now 84.7% of students use laptops (including Tablets and Netbooks) as their primary computer. This is substantially higher than the desktops at 13%. Laptops as the primary computer seems to have stabilized around 85% over the past few years.
  • Tablets and Netbooks are rarely a student's primary computer with a combined percentage of only 1.1%. However, they slowly seem to be becoming a more common secondary device as 13.6% of students now own one.
  • 20.3% of students owned multiple computers.
  • Smartphones are owned by 49.2% of respondents. This is up from 34.9% in the Winter 2011 survey.
  • Mac ownership has grown quickly from 7.2% in Winter 2006 to 35.6% in Winter 2012.
  • Among PC users, Windows 7 is now the most commonly used operating system with 42.9%. Windows Vista dropped to 9.0% and Windows XP is at 6.2%. We expect Windows Vista & XP to drop off very quickly over the next year.
  • Mac users primarily use Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7.
  • Therefore, at this time it is probably safe to support just Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.5 Mac OS X 10.6, and Mac OS X 10.7
  • Question 2 shows that overall students use the computer rooms for academic class-related reasons at a much higher percentage than for personal reasons.
  • About one-fifth of students (21.5%) have a class that meets in a computer classroom. This percentage of roughly 20% has stayed consistent since we first asked the question in 1998.
  • Printing remains one of the most important reasons students use the computer rooms. This is not surprising since ink-jet cartridges tend to be expensive so printing on a ink-jet printer at home is more expensive than printing in the computer rooms.
  • Question 8 shows that the sheets required to meet a student's academic printing needs varies widely depending on the student. However, a quota of 150 sheets would meet the need of roughly 80% of the students.
  • Question 9 garnered a wide variety of responses, but the most common theme is that many students would like to increase the number of free sheets of printing per quarter.
  • Interestingly students reported about many non-IET computer rooms, including Engineering, 188 Young, CHMS, etc. The appears to be a bit of confusion regarding who mantains the various computer labs on campus.

Survey Text

On February 27th, 2012 Computer Lab Management (CLM) sent the following survey 2000 students who had uses the campus computer rooms during Winter 2012.
Name (optional):
E-mail Address (optional):

1. Class Standing:


2. Why do you use the computer rooms (please mark all that apply)

I don't own a computer
I don't own a printer
I go to websites for personal reasons
I go to websites for academic reasons
I check/reply to personal email
I check/reply to class-related email
I print class assignments (e.g. essays, homework, labs)
I print class materials (e.g. research, syllabi, assignments)
I use wireless printing to print from my laptop to computer room printers
I need access to specialized software which I do not own
I need access to specialized hardware which I do not own (e.g. scanners, video editors, etc.)
The campus computers have faster access to the network (web, email, etc.)
The campus computers are more convenient than mine
The campus computers work better than mine
The campus printers are better than mine
I have a class that meets in a computer classroom
I need to access my student information (e.g. RSVP, grades, financial aid info, classes enrolled)
Other (please describe):


3. What types of computers do you own? (check all that apply)

I own a desktop computer
I own a laptop (notebook) computer
I own an netbook computer
I own a tablet (iPad, Windows tablet) computer
I own a smartphone (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, or other phone that can check email and surf the web)
I do not own a computer


4. If you own a computer please answer the following question. If you own more than one computer, please respond for the computer you use most often.

Type:

Operating system:

Office Suite:

Printer:

Please check all the peripherals you own:
Floppy drive
USB flash drive
Portable hard drive


5. How do you normally transfer your work from one computer to another:


If you said other, please specify how:


6. When you go to a computer room and see more than 10 people waiting in line, what do you usually do?

N/A - I haven't seen more than 10 people waiting in line
I wait in line.
I ask the Computer Room Consultant about other open computer rooms.
I go to another lab and hope there's no waiting line or a shorter one.
I come back at a later time that day.
I wait until I get home to use my computer.
Other - please specify:


7A. When you go to use a computer room, how long do you typically have to wait to use a computer?


7B. What do you consider an acceptable length of time to wait to use a campus-provided computer?


8. How many sheets do you need to print each quarter for academic purposes (class material, assignments, study aids)?


9. Do you have other suggestions or comments to help improve the campus computer rooms or services?



Survey Results

There were 177 responses.

Question 1. Class Standing

  Number Percentage
First year 17 9.6%
Second year 29 16.4%
Third year 57 32.2%
Fourth year 43 24.3%
Fifth or more year 10 5.6%
Masters candidate 3 1.7%
PhD candidate 5 2.8%
Professional School 1 0.6%
No answer 12 6.8%

Question 2. Why do you use the computer rooms

  Number Percentage
I don't own a computer 3 1.7%
I don't own a printer 53 29.9%
I go to websites for personal reasons 52 29.4%
I go to websites for academic reasons 109 61.6%
I check/reply to personal email 79 44.6%
I check/reply to class-related email 102 57.6%
I print class assignments (e.g. essays, homework, labs) 131 74.0%
I print class materials (e.g. research, syllabi, assignments) 125 70.6%
I use wireless printing to print from my laptop to computer room printers 6 3.4%
I need access to specialized software which I do not own 43 24.3%
I need access to specialized hardware which I do not own (e.g. scanners, video editors, etc.) 21 11.9%
The campus computers have faster access to the network (web, email, etc.) 35 19.8%
The campus computers are more convenient than mine 44 24.9%
The campus computers work better than mine 17 9.6%
The campus printers are better than mine 34 19.2%
I have a class that meets in a computer classroom 38 21.5%
I need to access my student information (e.g. RSVP, grades, financial aid info, classes enrolled) 40 22.6%
Other 17 9.6%

Other Reasons Listed:

  • Campus computers have better Internet connection.
  • comebacklater
  • convenient because on campus
  • I attended a workshop in a computer room.
  • I don't bring my computer to campus
  • I don't have the strength to carry around a 10lb laptop all day
  • I don't like to carry my computer to school.
  • I don't own a lap top.
  • I don't want to bring my laptop to school.
  • I forget or don't want to carry my computer so I use the campus computers
  • I held a special session for the class I teach in the computer lab.
  • I live off campus and I don't have my computer or printer with me
  • I would only bring my laptop to school on days that I have the most classes. It saves me a lot weight/space in my backpack.
  • Im on campus and need to study between classes
  • Less than 20 sheets
  • my laptop broke.
  • The wireless internet for the laptop is NOT GOOD and I end up going to one of these computer rooms to get access to smart site, and that is the most important reason why I go there.
  • Too lazy/cheap to buy printer ink
  • when i forget to print at home

Question 3. What types of computers do you own?

  Number Percentage
Desktop 30 16.9%
Laptop (notebook) 164 92.7%
Netbook 13 7.3%
Tablet 13 7.3%
Smartphone 87 49.2%
None 1 0.6%
Combinations (all other combinations had zero responses)
Laptop and Smartphone 61 34.5%
Desktop, laptop and smartphone 7 4.0%
Desktop and laptop 6 3.4%
Laptop, netbook and smartphone 5 2.8%
Laptop, tablet and smartphone 4 2.3%
Desktop, laptop, netbook and smartphone 4 2.3%
Desktop and smartphone 3 1.7%
Laptop and tablet 2 1.1%
Desktop and tablet 2 1.1%
Desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone 2 1.1%
Laptop and netbook 1 0.6%
Laptop, tablet and netbook 1 0.6%
Desktop, laptop and tablet 1 0.6%
Desktop, laptop, tablet and netbook 1 0.6%

Question 4.  If you own a computer please answer the following question. If you own more than one computer, please respond for the computer you use most often.

Type:

  Number Percentage
Desktop 23 13.0%
Laptop 148 83.6%
Tablet 0 0%
Netbook 2 1.1%

Operating System:

  Number Percentage
Windows 7 76 42.9%
Windows Vista 16 9.0%
Windows XP 11 6.2%
Windows 2003 2 1.1%
Windows - older version 1 0.6%
Windows - not sure what version 2 1.1%
Mac OS X 10.7 24 13.6%
Mac OS X 10.6 13 7.3%
Mac OS X 10.5 12 6.8%
Mac OS X 10.4 3 1.7%
Mac OS X - older version 1 0.6%
Mac OS X - not sure what version 10 5.6%
Linux 1 0.6%
Other unix 0 0%
Other 0 0%
No Answer 4 2.2%

Office Suite:

  Number Percentage
Microsoft Office 2010 (PC) 51 28.8%
Microsoft Office 2007 (PC) 36 20.3%
Microsoft Office 2003 (PC) 7 4.0%
Microsoft Office 2002/XP (PC) 1 0.6%
Older PC version of Microsoft Office 1 0.6%
Microsoft Office 2011 (Mac) 20 11.3%
Microsoft Office 2008 (Mac) 21 11.9%
Microsoft Office 2004 (Mac) 7 4.0%
Microsoft Office v.X (Mac) 0 0%
Older Mac version of Microsoft Office 0 0%
Microsoft Works 9 (PC) 0 0%
Microsoft Works 8 or 8.5 (PC) 0 0%
Microsoft Works 7 (PC) 2 1.1%
Older PC version of Microsoft Works 0 0%
Wordperfect Office 0 0%
iWork (Mac) 8 4.5%
OpenOffice.org 9 5.1%
StarOffice 0 0%
Not sure 3 1.7%
Other 4 2.3%

Printer:

  Number Percentage
None 67 37.9%
Ink Jet 77 43.5%
Laser 22 12.4%
Other 1 0.6%

Please check all the peripherals you own::

  Number Percentage
Floppy drive 6 3.4%
USB flash drive 157 88.7%
Portable hard drive 69 39.0%

Question 5. How do you normally transfer your work from one computer to another:

  Number Percentage
Floppy disk 0 0%
CD-RW 0 0%
USB flash drive 50 28.2%
Portable hard drive 3 1.7%
Email file to yourself 102 57.6%
SmartSite 2 1.1%
Google Docs 8 4.5%
DropBox (or other Internet based file storage site) 8 4.5%
FTP, sftp or other file transfer program 0 0%
Other 2 1.1%

Other Reasons Listed:

  • email and network

Question 6. When you go to a computer room and see more than 10 people waiting in line, what do you usually do?

  Number Percentage
N/A - I haven't seen more than 10 people waiting in line 77 43.5%
I wait in line 21 11.9%
I ask the CRC about other open computer rooms. 2 1.1%
I go to another lab and hope there's no waiting line or a shorter one. 28 15.8%
I come back at a later time that day. 25 14.1%
I wait until I get home to use my computer. 14 7.9%
Other 8 4.5%

Other Actions Listed:

  • Depends on the urgency. I might decide to wait until I get home if possible. If not then I usually go to another lab.
  • I cut em'
  • I don't need to wait in line. I only go to computer labs because I have classes in them.
  • I go and use my laptop.
  • I have my own computer
  • I LEAVE with an ugly face
  • I leave.
  • print wirelessly from my computer

Question 7A. When you go to use a computer room, how long do you typically have to wait to use a computer?

  Number Percentage
Not at all 80 45.2%
Less than 5 minutes 70 39.5%
5 to 10 minutes 19 10.7%
10 to 15 minutes 3 1.7%
15 to 30 minutes 3 1.7%
Over 30 minutes 1 0.6%

Question 7B. What do you consider an acceptable length of time to wait to use a campus-provided computer?

  Number Percentage
No wait at all 29 16.4%
Less than 5 minutes 86 48.6%
5 to 10 minutes 47 26.6%
10 to 15 minutes 9 5.1%
15 to 30 minutes 1 0.5%
Over 30 minutes 2 1.1%

Question 8. How many sheets do you need to print each quarter for academic purposes (class material, assignments, study aids)?

  Number Percentage
Less than 20 sheets 31 17.5%
20 to 50 sheets 43 24.3%
51 to 100 sheets 51 28.8%
101 to 150 sheets 19 10.7%
150 to 200 sheets 13 7.3%
Over 200 sheets 19 10.7%

Question 9. Do you have other suggestions or comments to help improve the campus computer rooms or services?

  • *Keyboards in the library often stick. The newer keyboards in other labs are wonderful. *More computers with Microsoft Office would be helpful. *An all-access lab in the engineering area would be helpful.
  • A slightly newer MacOS would be appreciated. 10.5 is a bit painful to use now, and soon 10.6 will be difficult too. Maybe using OSXFuse instead of MacFUSE would allow this?
  • All in all, they've been pretty convenient.
  • Better maintenance with the printer. I lost some printing pages because the printer was not working.
  • Bring back 30 free prints per quarter
  • Bring back 30 free sheets of printing....
  • Cleaning the keyboards of germs and allowing for wifi in all computer rooms would be very nice.
  • Fix the paper jams and have people facilitate if there are no paper in the printer. I've experienced times where they've charged me a page or two for printing when there was a paper jam and my paper was never printed.
  • For wireless printing, make a designated area for people to stand/sit with their computers.
  • Free Printing for all students please :)
  • Free prints per quarter would be very nice.
  • Free prints! Even 10 would be nice to have if there's a paper due and I'm running late. Emergency prints would be nice.
  • Have the computer lab be open for longer hours - sometimes I find I need research or papers to be printed out late at night
  • I find it very frustrating that there are computer labs which have classes that regularly meet in them/use them, taking up the entire day for several classes. If it is an open class, in which students are supposed to come in and work, it is ridiculous to close the entire lab to the public. In these situations, there are always plenty of extra computers, and I do not see how it is distracting for me to quietly come in and get work done (students in the class are coming in/out anyway). There used to be a system where certain rows were marked for classes and that was it. I much prefer that, as it is unfair to offer a public computer center, and then literally reserve it the entire day for classes which may not even meet in the center, but simply use it for coursework. It has happened to me on several occasions, and other students have told me it is frustrating as well.
  • I have only used a computer room once this quarter. However, I have used room 188 in Young Hall for two courses. It is DIRTY and seems like it is almost never cleaned.
  • I think the campus computer rooms are fine as they are. I have been satisfied by how they are run so far.
  • I think you should install one of the computer rooms near the briggs hall/sci-lec halls since most of the university is "college of biological science" and even though I am not a biology related major, I find myself in that area for about 30% of the day and I have to walk/bike back to student community center or shields library because mobilenet or mobilenetx are not working - 45% of the time. Just an opinion, thanks for reading it.
  • I wish the printing pages would roll over to the next quarter, so say we have not used that many pages or all the pages allotted, then they would add on to the ones in the next quarter.
  • I wish there would be more free prints at least 50 prints, because some classes require to print lab reports or lab manuals or just reports.
  • I worry that printing rates will increase and i won't be able to afford to print on campus
  • I'm not sure that this is the appropriate venue for this comment, but I connect to the campus wireless network using my laptop to stream video for classes I teach in Wellman Hall, and it is very slow and unreliable. I've had no problems with campus computers otherwise, but the wireless has terrible coverage.
  • increase prints to 50 please
  • It would be nice if the chairs at the tables in the computer room, near the reference desk, in the library, were more comfortable. Sometimes I have homework assignments that take me a long time and the chairs are so hard, it's painful. Also it would be nice to be able to relax in the event that I am using my computer at these tables or when I have to wait for a computer.
  • It would be nice if the CHMS computer lab had the same style as the one provided in the CAE for Mech/Aero students.
  • Make printing cost cheaper
  • More computers at high traffic areas! :P
  • More computers, more outlets, more computer labs.
  • More free prints
  • MORE FREE PRINTS
  • More labs. More computers. More printers.
  • nah
  • Need more computers.
  • no
  • Perhaps there should be a more organized way for students to get their printed items because there always seems to be a crowd waiting.
  • Please give us more free prints, 30 isn't enough.
  • Please have clean wipes available in the computer room. Germs spread very easily in computer labs and it would be nice to be able to clean off keyboards and mice.
  • Printing is way too expensive! :( Get better funding for printing because a sheet of paper is not worth 10 cents.
  • Re-open the computer lab in Hart Hall
  • Sometimes people accidentally take my printed sheets and I have to print new copies and those sheets add up. It would be nice if there was a way for our papers to be separated.
  • Students should receive more free prints.
  • The computer lab availability website is great.
  • The computer rooms are great and I love that I can be in college and not own a printer because the computer room printers are so accessible and easy. The staff is really helpful too. Thank you!
  • the IT should be more familiar with the computer stuff so that when we have questions, they can explain. because i knew that few of them can't really answer my basic questions.
  • There should be more computers running on windows.
  • There should be more scanners in the computer rooms.
  • They are usually really slow
  • update the plug-ins regularly in library computers and have coverage wirelessly over the whole library.
  • While in the Hutchinson computer lab, I have noticed that in the adjoining rooms, often there are loud discussions. I do not mind if there is instruction, but I do not really want to hear TAs talking about what they are doing over the weekend while I am trying to work.
  • Why is tuition thousands and thousands of dollars and we still have to pay 11 cents a sheet starting at sheet 1! Who wants to go to a restaurant, buy food, and then pay for forks? It feels like that is what students have to do when they pay tuition and then need to pay for printing. At least 100 free sheets are necessary because 30 is not enough. The computer room should be a full service stop, not one that provides printing at a cost. That should be a principle for all UCD services.
  • You guys are doing great overall. I have recently started using campus computers, and don't have any overriding complaints.

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