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Several classrooms and labs at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) received new desktop computers through a lease agreement with Dell Computers. The college’s existing systems ranged anywhere from three to 12 years old and the majority were bought outright by NEO. “Because we live in such a techy world, and my courses are primarily based or connected with online learning, the new computers offer a major advantage to students. Being able to walk into a classroom and efficiently navigate assignments and grades saves me time and allows me to focus on the assignment at hand versus battling a slow computer,” said Hanna Minson, NEO sophomore.

NEO labs and classrooms are now equipped with updated Dell All-In-One computers. This update better prepares students for the equipment they will use in the workplace. These space-saving devices also give NEO another competitive advantage.  “We are so thrilled our students’ learning process will not be interrupted because of slow or broken equipment,” said Lori Hackwell, business instructor. “These new computers will benefit the students by allowing them to stay focused on an assignment and not be distracted by equipment failure.”

The leasing program allows NEO to determine predictable expenses, lower upfront costs while keeping more current with the technology. Additionally, maintenance on same systems allows for faster response time from NEO’s computer techs because they are not dealing with outdated or different systems at each lab they enter. The price tag for the first year of the lease is $69,700. The cost includes the price to insure the equipment as well. “Technology is integrated in every part of our lives,” said Kim Bunch, chief information officer. “Fifty billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2020. We must keep up. Our students, staff and faculty have an expectation we move forward with the times and with technology.”