ISU mandates laptops for incoming freshmen

The clickity-click of typing is heard from the fountain to the library, as students, incoming and returning, integrate technology both inside and outside the classroom.

"When someone walks into the commons and HMSU, the number of laptops used and open sends a message about the technological capacity for students," said Susan Powers, the associate dean of the College of Education.

Powers said the ISU Laptop Program requires all full-time freshmen to have a laptop.

"Laptops enable faculty to integrate lecture and lab activities in the classroom that previously had to be conducted in a specific physical space, so that learning activities are dictated by the educational objectives rather than physical location," said Robert Jefferson, the executive director in the Office of Information Technology.

Laptops also increase opportunity for self-exploration, student identification of strengths and weaknesses, the tracking of student progress, a variety of presentation styles, reflection on learning and the application of learning, Jefferson said.

"It gives a level playing field if students all have the same access to technology," Powers said. "Faculty are also better equipped when they know that all students have this available."

Powers said another perk of mandating laptops is that it forces financial aid to cover it.

Students can receive a laptop computer through the ISU Laptop scholarship, which is available to freshmen students who completed an Indiana Core 40 diploma, have a high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher and were admitted to ISU by March 1 for the following fall semester.

Students can also receive aid by filling out a Computer Expense Form before or within 30 days of purchasing a computer, according to the ISU Laptop Program Web site.

Students can purchase the Lenovo laptop through the ISU Web site. The Computer Store, located in the Student Computing Complex near the fountain, also has Macintosh computers, and students are free to purchase any laptop at any store.

"Knowing students have laptops and can just pop them open in class enables faculty to do more creative projects," Powers said. "I know faculty who have tried simulation, activities and peer editing."

The technology-centered campus also could make students more marketable in the workforce.

"Coming from a laptop university, an Indiana State degree adds value to graduates in the competitive job market as it demonstrates a well-rounded, technologically-savvy student who has already mastered the computer skills employers expect of new hires," Jefferson said.

Powers said that although the campus has integrated technology in many other areas, laptops make it visible on campus and off-campus.

However, owning a laptop can create complications as well. Students have to protect themselves from viruses and other hazards that come with increased use of technology.

"Don't let other people use your stuff," Powers said. "Illegal downloads and viruses often come from students taking their laptops home or roommates asking 'Can I use this?' It's like your credit card. You just don't give your credit card to someone."

In order to remain safe, Jefferson warns students to protect and preserve data with frequent backups, to have current anti-virus software installed and keep it updated, to be cautious about opening e-mail attachments or permitting unidentified software to run and to avoid installing and using peer-to-peer file sharing software, such as LimeWire, to download or upload music and videos.

"Viruses are only one type of malicious or troublesome software that proliferates over the high speed access that is available to you at ISU," Jefferson said. "There are numerous other programs, many of which seem to be helpful or serve some useful purpose that pose serious problems. These web enhancements and freeware are often accompanied by independently installed software that runs unobserved to collect data from you and your computer and transmit it to a third party."

"Don't give out personal information such as Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, PIN numbers, 991 numbers or credit card numbers to anyone you are not sure about," said William Mercier, the director of public safety, about not only computers, but student safety overall.

However, the Computer Support Center in the Student Computing Complex provides technical support for the Lenovo ThinkPads if anything does go wrong.

"Technical support for hardware and software issues, including loaner laptops if repairs are needed, is available on-campus for program-purchased systems," Jefferson said. With the entire campus more technologically savvy, students have more places to turn to for support."

Yancy Phillips, the director of user services, said students should contact the Help Desk to identify the problem. If they cannot resolve the problem over the phone, the Help Desk will refer the student to the Student Computing Complex.

The Student Computing Complex also offers a 24-hour computer lab with free printing and the ISU Computer Store, which sells carrying bags, protective sleeves and other accessories for laptops.

"Mobile computing is available anytime, anywhere," Jefferson said. "The convenience and efficiency with which students can conduct academic, administrative, and personal activities is empowering".

( Aliya Khan can be reached at sascamed@isugw.indstate.edu)