Indiana State University will become the first public university in the state to require all students to have notebook computers, beginning with incoming freshmen in fall 2007.

Through Access Connections, students and faculty will be able to seamlessly move from classes to dorm rooms and wired to wireless environments.

The widespread use of laptop technology will leverage the power of mobile computing to provide campuswide access through the university's extensive wireless network, said Susan Powers, professor of curriculum, instruction and media technology and chairwoman of ISU's notebook implementation committee.

"The notebook initiative gives us an opportunity to use technology to support learner-centered, knowledge-centered, assessment-centered and community-centered learning environments. It is a window of opportunity for true innovation. Lenovo ThinkPad will be an excellent partner in our strategies to expand the learning environment of ISU," Powers said.