The Divine Word University in PNG has distributed laptops to first year students who are enrolled at the University. “This is the first laptop issue, I have ever owned, says Vavar Luaina, a first year Social and Religious Studies student, at Divine Word University.
A total of 392 laptops were given to first year students attending Divine Word University Madang campus at the Sir Peter Barter Auditorium on Monday 20th February.
Varvar Luaina is among other first year students to receive laptops this year.
“The first thing for me to do now is learn how to use it. I know this will help me greatly in my studies and most importantly my research work,” said Varvar.
At the official issuing of laptops, a quiz by Divine Word University President, Professor Fr Philip Gibbs, gave insight on a bit of history to do with the first issue and; processes and costs involved in shipping these laptops to Divine Word University’s various campuses.
“These laptops will help with your studies here for the next four years. We trust that you will be responsible users and prioritize the device for your studies,” Fr Gibbs said.
Laptops were custom built to DWU ICT specifications by DELL in Malaysia with total costs amounting to about K1.2 million for shipment, also including accessories such as laptop chargers and bags.
Prof. Fr Gibbs commended the work of the ICT team in getting the laptops prepared with all the necessary software and online applications to assist with students’ accessibility to the network.
Web Administrator Maleta Nadile coordinated laptops issue to the first year students, giving an explanation of processes involved before the actual issuing.
“In IT re-imaging is a process where a new operating system, other application software and required drivers are installed into a machine,” she said.
Information Systems student Bossie Tatut, said receiving a new laptop has helped a lot. He is now able to budget and purchase other required materials for his studies.
Elizabeth Marangasa, PNG and International Studies student was greatly encouraged as DWU promotes a paperless university and owning a laptop will help her use the device wisely for study purposes.
This year for the first time DWU has purchased laptops for its students in other campuses; St Benedict in Wewak and Rabaul campus.
The ICT team were on the ground in Wewak to handover 150 laptops to the campus administration during its registration last week.
Photo and article by Divine Word University / #PNGOnlineSchool
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