Laptops Create
New World
of Possibilities

by Christine Tognetti

An art major designing a building, an English major penning a poem on nature or a student journalist writing an article about a protest on campus—will no longer be confined to the classroom at San Jose State University.

The laptop project has arrived.

Janelle Small, is excited about the more than 40 places on campus she and 17,000 other students can use her laptop to check her e-mail, do research for class or anything else she needs to do on the Internet.

"I think it's going to make my next four years of school much more convenient," she said. "Having the freedom to do my work outside of the library or classroom will allow me more flexibility."

Although the historic buildings, signature water fountains and barbecue pits that together create San Jose State's environment won't change, the educational environment is breaking down the walls, and conveniently providing students the opportunity to study, learn and do research outside of the classroom.

This project, which has already popped up at other schools like Arizona State University and Clemson University, allows students with laptops and wireless web cards the opportunity to connect to the World Wide Web all over campus.

The project has already reached Sweeney Hall, Dwight Bentel Hall and the Art Building. Program Director Mary Fran Breiling said it's expected to sprawl throughout campus in the next few years.

"The dedication from the faculty and staff has been amazing," she said. "Everyone is excited about the project and we hope other schools and departments will want to join in making it campus wide."

The academic technology Department, the School of Art and Design, the school of journalism and mass communications and three departments within the College of Education have decided it's time for SJSU to transform its ways of learning with the rapidly changing technology happening in the Silicon Valley.

"We are in the heart of the Silicon Valley, and being a metropolitan university, our students need to be kept up to date with the changes in technology," Breiling said.

The laptop projects proposal states "Our students will graduate with 21st century work skills and be better prepared to take their places as leaders in society."

Breiling, who has been working on the project for the past two years, agreed.

"This is a skill students will need when they enter their careers," she replied.

Sokhun Khan, a junior in the Industrial Design department, said he will be able to concentrate better and is excited about the new project on campus.

"It will make life a whole lot easier," he said. "Almost anywhere I'm at I can do work or research now."
Along with the eagerness and excitement about the project floating through the air on campus, there are also concerns as to safety, costs and how effective this project will be here at SJSU.

Senior Jennifer Porter loves the idea of being able to access the internet through the wireless project, but believes there has to be some catch financially.

"This whole thing sounds so cool, but will I have to buy new equipment for my computer and how much will this cost me?" she asked.

This web site is designed to welcome, inform, give the pros and cons, answer questions and introduce current and potential students to the incredible wireless world now available at their finger tips.

Questions like "where's the best place to find wireless cards?" and "how secure is my computer through a wireless connection?" are answered. Students already enjoying the advantages of the laptop project can also find help on this website.

Rubeun Tan, wireless network specialist, may become every SJSU student's best friend, as he gives advice, answers questions and offers students technical support.

With wireless connections popping up in Starbuck's and McDonald's throughout the country, it's apparent wireless technology is sending most careers down a new and exciting path of doing business—and now the students at SJSU will be able to step into the career shoes of their choice, and know their prepared for the path ahead.