Our 2006 student technology survey was administered in April 2006. We were pleased to receive completed surveys from 585 students, or nearly 65% of the student body. IT Services would like to extend our thanks to all of the students who took the time to take the survey, and to the fraternity presidents, RAs, the Sphinx Club, and everyone else who helped promote and encourage participation in the survey.
Highlights of the 2006 technology survey are listed below. You can also view a three-year comparison showing data from our 2004, 2005 and 2006 surveys.
92% of students report that they have their own computer at Wabash. 5% have more than one computer.
63% of those computers are laptops (up from 51.4% in 2005).
94% of student computers run Microsoft Windows, and 6% run Apple Macintosh
91% of Wabash students own a cell phone, 58% have a digital camera, 60% have an iPod or other MP3 music player, and 57% have handheld or console gaming system.
99% of students check their Wabash email account at least daily (95% report "several times each day").
99% of students used a computer lab this year. The Library PC Lab led the way, with 93% of students using that lab. Other heavily used facilities are the Lilly Reference area (83%), Armory Lab (82%) and the Media Center (65%). Further, even though the Armory Lab doubled in size, 35% of students believe it does not have enough computers.
56% use music or podcast software every day.
93% of students use an instant messenger service, 88% use Facebook, and 32% use MySpace.
To reach students within one day with an important message, 96% of students reported they could be reached in time via Wabash email address; 72% via personal cell phone number; and 43% via instant messenger. Only 11% reported they could be reached in time via Wabash phone number, and 5% via Wabash voice mail.
The survey included several open-ended "comment" questions; in all, students provided 442 written comments. Most common comments: