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Dakota State University Students Help Legislators With New Technology

South Dakota Legislators were issued tablet computers for the legislative session and two Dakota State University students were recruited to help them adjust to the new technology. DSU students Brian Siemonsma and Jennifer Coats were selected to serve as computer interns for the first two weeks of the 2005 legislative session.

 
DSU Legislative computer interns Jennifer Coats and Brian Siemonsma are
pictured with District 8 Representative Gerald Lange.

Legislators were issued a Gateway model M275 tablet, which is the same computer used by freshman and sophomore students on the DSU campus. Prior to the start of the session, DSU faculty members Wayne Pauli, Tom Halverson and Josh Pauli conducted an “Introduction to your Tablet” workshop for the legislators. Smaller group trainings were held by Brian and Jennifer after the House and Senate would adjourn for the day.

The interns were assigned to the two houses; Brian in the House and Jennifer in the Senate. Most of their time out of session was spent at the capitol, troubleshooting for the legislators when they had questions on their tablets. During the sessions, the interns would be in the chamber, available to help any legislator who requested assistance with their tablet.

The two students agreed that the experience was positive. “It went really well,” said Siemonsma, “and the legislators were receptive to the new technology.” Coats agreed, “It was a great experience to work with the Senators and to help solve problems.”

Siemonsma, a native of Dell Rapids, is a senior at Dakota State. Coats is from Doland and is a sophomore.