At Lethbridge College, we’re committed to enhancing your experience as a student. Through the use of technology, the mobile learning program increases your capacity for success not only as a student but as a future employee. Using industry-standard software and specific devices ensures you’re equipped with the skills needed for your job.
For the following programs, you are required to bring your own laptop or tablet that meets or exceeds the hardware requirements listed below:
Administrative Office Professional
- 15-inch screen or larger with a number pad
- wireless keyboard and mouse
- Windows 10 (free at the college for those with Windows 7 or 8)
- Microsoft Office Suite 365 (free at the college but must be installed prior to the first day of classes)
- Not acceptable: netbooks, tablets, iPads or Macs
Students in the AOP program must have Office 365 and Microsoft Office 2016 installed on their laptops prior to the first day of classes. This software is available free through Lethbridge College. Instructions for how to install these will be sent to you via college email prior to the first day of classes. Please watch for that.
Since college email will be used to communicate with you during your time at Lethbridge College, we encourage you to add your college email account to your smart phone. Please visit Get Office 365 for instructions.
Digital Communications and Media
Digital Communications and Media requires the following equipment for use in the program:
Laptop Computer
You are required to have a laptop for the DCM program. If you have a laptop that already meets or exceeds the recommended requirements listed below, you will not need to purchase a new laptop. If you do not have a laptop that meets the recommended requirements, you will need to purchase one before classes start in September. You can choose either a Mac or PC product from a vendor of your choice.
The following recommended specifications will handle the software needs in our program. NOTE: The college will provide the software to you in the fall.
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MacBook Pro recommended or above:
NOTE: If you plan to bootcamp for Windows access, the M1 chip cannot do this. Consider then the Intel i7. Costs can range from $1,500 - $1,800 |
PC recommended specs or above:
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An entry-level digital SLR camera with a minimum 18 - 55 mm lens.
The camera should have an attachment for uploading photos into a computer (you may want to purchase a card reader). There are many superior digital SLR cameras on the market, but we recommend the Canon Rebel iseries or the Canon SL series. Acceptable models are Rebel T3i/T4i/T5i/T6i, T7i and T8i (the “i” is very important as that indicates it has an external mic input). The SL1, SL2 and SL3 models will also work. There are other more expensive Canon models that will work but make sure they include an external microphone input. We recommend the Canon cameras because some of our gear which you will be required to use is made for Canon cameras. These digital SLR cameras are available at many electronic stores including London Drugs, Best Buy and McBain Camera. All manufacturers carry a variety of models within a large price range. Costs can range from $600 to over $2,000 depending on the accessories and features you choose. Please include a 16 or 32GB SDHC/SDXC memory card (to be purchased separately) and a camera bag (to be purchased separately).
A broadcast quality (professional) recorder with the capability of recording wave files with a sample rate of 44100kHz /16-bit. The device should have a line in/out and a USB connection for uploading the audio files. Plus, the device must be compatible with any operating system and not require special software to function on your computer. The preferred recording device is the Samson ZOOM H2n Handy Recorder that includes a 2GB SD card for storing recorded information. With this system and with some others, you will have to purchase AA batteries.
This professional-quality recorder is available from a variety of sources including Axe Music On-line store (www.axemusic.com) Long & McQuade, Best Buy and McBain Cameras in Lethbridge. Costs can range from $190 to $220.
External Hard Drive - $100 - $150 or higher depending on the storage capacity.
Other smaller items may be listed on your course outlines which your instructors will discuss with you the first week of classes.
Engineering Technologies
As a condition of enrolling in the following programs, you are required to purchase a specific laptop pre-loaded with appropriate software from the college:
Civil Engineering Technology
Engineering Design Technology
Geomatics Engineering Technology
Multimedia Production
All students in this program are required to have a smart device including an HD camera (with video and audio capability), a DSLR camera (ideally a Canon T6i, an external portable hard drive of capacity greater than one TB, and an SDHC card of capacity greater than 32GB. Be prepared to purchase web hosting/domain, a microphone, and headphones. Your instructors will review the specs and details on the first day of class. A laptop is not required as students will have access to lab computers loaded with the necessary curricular software.
For more information about mobile learning in the Multimedia Production program, contact the program.
Wind Turbine Technician
This program requires students to supply their own laptop or tablet with wireless internet connection capabilities. All content modules, with the exception of apprenticeship modules, will be provided to students on their laptops or tablets in PDF format.
For more information about mobile learning in the Wind Turbine Technician program, contact the program office.
Why can’t I bring my own device?
Programs that require you to purchase a laptop are technical in nature and require a performance laptop that meets certain standards. We select the right laptop for each program after an extensive testing and review process. We strive to provide you with the most powerful laptop available for the lowest possible price.
We order these laptops in bulk quantities to keep costs down and we load them with a variety of software packages that require imaging, which is only possible if the laptops are identical. We also provide 100 per cent of the technical support for these laptops.
Please note: Due to software licensing, the college is required to retain legal ownership of the laptop until you complete or leave the program.
How much does it cost?
Both the laptop and access fee must be paid before you receive your laptop. The laptop fee must be paid at the Lethbridge College Bookstore. The access fee can be paid along with your tuition at either the Registrar’s Office (PA1130) or the Finance Office (CE2310). Please keep all receipts as proof of purchase when picking up your laptop.
| Program | Laptop fee* | Access fee** |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technology | $2,000 | $50 |
| Engineering Design Technology | $2,000 | $50 |
| Geomatics Engineering | $2,000 | $50 |
*Prices do not include GST. Price is estimated.
**In the second year of these programs only the access fee will be charged.
The purchase price includes full technical support provided by the ITS Help Desk:
Email: helpdesk@lethbridgecollege.ca
Direct: 403-320-3333
Location: TE2208
Please note: Student loans do not cover the cost of computer equipment. You will need to ensure you have alternative funding in place to purchase your laptop.
Laptop distribution and orientation
To pick up your laptop, you will need:
- a valid, up-to-date student ID card
- proof of payment
Engineering Technology: First year students will receive their laptops at 0800 on the first day of classes. Watch for a letter sent in August to your college email address with details. The time and room numbers will also be included in New Student Orientation, announced on Canvas, and Facebook. Staff will be present to direct students to the room.
The fine print
Due to software licensing, the college is required to retain legal ownership of the laptop until you complete or leave the program. Upon leaving the program, you can acquire legal ownership of the laptop only after having the laptop wiped by the college. This arrangement satisfies the licensing agreements for the different software packages that come pre-loaded on the laptops.
Required forms
When you pick up your laptop, you are required to sign the following forms:
- Laptop Program – Policy and Agreement: By signing this form, you acknowledge that you understand the terms under which you are purchasing the laptop.
- Appendix A – Acknowledgement re: Legal Ownership of Laptop Computer: By signing this form, you acknowledge that you understand the legal ownership will remain with Lethbridge College until, upon leaving, you return the laptop for wiping.
Refunds
We do not provide refunds except in exceptional circumstances. If you drop the program we will remove the specialized software and the laptop is yours to keep or sell as you choose. If you have exceptional circumstances for withdrawing, please let us know and we will consult with the associate dean regarding your laptop.