Frequently Asked Questions

College is a means to help you reach your goal of gainful employment or higher levels of prosperity.  Employers look for and tend to hire individuals that are able to work collaboratively as well as independently, are adaptable to change, can communicate well, are technologically adept, and can work in a mobile environment.

No, it is not required to have an iPad on the first day of class since NJC has transitioned to a bring your own device campus.

This will be largely dependent on the discipline and classes you are taking, but some of the ways you can expect to use an iPad include:

• Receiving immediate feedback on classroom engagements
• Sharing of information and ideas
• Creating videos and study aides
• Capturing demonstrations
• Collaborating with peers and professors
• Completing classroom assignments, quizzes, tests
• Taking notes
• Conducting research

That may depend on what courses you have. While the iPad "iOS" device will be the predominant computer used, there will be some classes where a non-iOS (e.g., Windows-based)  laptop or desktop computer will be needed. Most of Northeastern's math and algebra classes use online/remote homework software. It's typical that students need access to a laptop or desktop computer for this to be effective. There may be other situations that access to a computer will be beneficial, so if you have a iOS or Windows-based computer or laptop, you should consider it for coursework. As an additional resource, Northeastern’s Monahan Learning Center, which is located in Knowles Hall, has desktop computers for students to use as well as laptops to check out while in the Learning Center. If you don’t already have a computer or laptop, we suggest you try using these computer resources on campus before making a decision to invest in one.

A significant number of Northeastern faculty have integrated iPads into classroom instruction. They have identified and integrated iPad technology and applications into the learning environment and applied this technology to the subject being taught. While the majority of classes incorporate the use of the iPads to this end, not all do. Some classes may not need them do deliver the best possible educational experience.

Making use of an e-book will be an option for a good number of classes, and the list of classes using e-books will grow each semester. The use of e-books can be very cost-effective for our students.

This will vary by publisher.  Most eBooks are accessed via the internet.  (Remember, free Wi-Fi at Northeastern).  If there are times you will not have access to the internet, most publishers allow you to download the book by chapter on to your iPad.

The NJC Bookstore webpage contains all textbook and e-book information.

The Apple iOS platform's productivity apps (e.g., Pages, Numbers and Keynote) are pre-loaded on iPads from the start. Pages is a basic word processor.

• Students will also have free access to Microsoft Office 365 Apps for their iPad. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These are very common software packages that most students are familiar with. These can be used on the iPad or accessed in a web browser.
• More and more faculty have moved to having students submit their papers electronically, thus reducing the need to print papers and it is environmentally friendly. But if you must print, students will be able to print from their iPad to certain campus printers. Students are given a pre-designated number of pages they can print for free. After that, they can add more pages by adding to their student account in the Cashier’s office.
• Beyond that, the college has computers available in our student computer lab that have the Microsoft Office products when excessive typing is required.

Just as we once moved from computer disk storage to storing data on a USB, technology has once again improved allowing for “cloud” storage. Students will have free access to OneDrive, iCloud, and other cloud storage services.  Cloud storage can be accessed from an iPad or any other computer as long as the device has Internet access. Documents can also be downloaded and worked on offline. Northeastern has been very proactive in making sure that there is wireless internet access across the entire campus, including in the residence halls.

The minimum requirement is one of the following:

• iPad Pro - 32 GB minimum and WiFi capable
• iPad 5th generation - 32GB minimum and W-Fi capable
• iPad 6th generation - 32GB minimum and Wi-Fi capable 

The smaller screen of the iPad mini’s does not lend itself well to a few of our programs, please plan to buy an iPad 6th gen for the music, automotive, diesel and wind programs. For example, students in our music ensembles (e.g., choirs or bands) view their sheet music on their iPad. Thus we strongly suggest those students purchase an iPad 6th gen. Same is true in our Automotive, Diesel and Wind Technology programs. These students view electrical wiring schematics and other diagrams and the iPad 6th gen works much better for these situations.

Students have a variety of options including:

• Directly purchasing an iPad from any retailer as long as it meets the minimum requirements specified
• Directly from the Apple Online Store 

That is an option you should consider depending on where you may live (on or off campus) and your Wi-Fi accessibility. If your Wi-Fi access will be limited, you may want to weigh the advantages of having cellular capabilities against the cost of your data plan if you were to use your phone as a hotspot. If you decide to purchase the cellular option, please be sure to check the cellular coverage in the Sterling area. The local providers are primarily Verizon and Viaero. Make sure the device you are considering meets the memory requirement of at least 32GB.

To get the most out of your experience, it is highly recommended that your iPad meet the minimum requirements stated above but pre-owned iPad's can be used. It is necessary that your iPad operate on the most current iOS.

Probably not. In order to get the most out of your courses and learning experience, you will need to have an iPad. Many of the apps used in higher education require an iPad. It is very likely your instructors are going to use some of those and we don’t want you to miss out.

As Northeastern is now a bring your device campus, laptops and Android tablets can be used for school work. 

You should plan to budget approximately $20 a semester for apps. Some apps may cost more, but in some cases, they may replace the book that was previously required in that class. If you think you will be doing a lot of typing, you might consider purchasing a keyboard for your iPad. In addition, having a power bank that you can use to charge your iPad may come in handy. If you charge your iPad every night, you probably won’t have any problems; but if not, having an extra power supply that doesn’t require you to plug into an electrical outlet may be useful. Many accessories are available in the NJC Bookstore.

Yes, the entire campus including the residence halls have wireless access. You will find that it will cover all of our wireless demands campus wide.

One of the best things about iPads is that they are very intuitive and are known for their easy use. You’ll be up and running in minutes. The Northeastern Information Technology (IT) staff and Academic Technology (AT) staff are available to assist students who may need assistance. Watch for signs as our staff will be available periodically in the college library, cafeteria, and some academic buildings the first week of the semester to assist students. Students can also call our IT Help Desk at 521-6805 for assistance.

No, you will not need an iPad for these types of courses. If you have questions about whether a personal enrichment or re-certification course will require an iPad, please contact the department that is offering the course.

No, you will not need an iPad if all of your courses are strictly online classes.

It is highly recommended that you also purchase Apple Care Insurance for $99 and a protective case. Prices vary by quality, but cases might run approximately $40 and a combination case with a keyboard will run about $80-$85.

AppleCare in basic terms is your insurance coverage. Even though, every iPad comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary support, accidents do happen. If your iPad gets damaged or broken, AppleCare can help you with the needed repairs or replacement.

AppleCare+ extends your coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPad and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $49 service fee.

Support includes direct access to Apple experts for questions on a wide range of topics, including:

• Using iOS and iCloud
• Connecting to wireless networks
• Questions about FaceTime, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, and other Apple-branded iPad apps

It is recommended that AppleCare+ be purchased at the same time as your iPad. For more information visit Apple's website.

The cloud is virtual storage space available for you to store your documents, photos, and backup your iPad.  There is no additional cost to store your information in the Cloud.

Apple has built into the iPad a number of accommodations to assist those with physical limitations.

For more information check out Apple's iPad website apple.com/ipad

Please email us at it@njc.edu