As Dean of the Teachers College, I know how critical you are in assuring that students who are thinking of becoming a teaching major at Ball State University get timely, accurate information. That is why I am writing.

This coming fall 2008 semester will be the fifth year that all incoming freshmen and transfer students who wish to major in any teacher education program at Ball State University are required to obtain a specific laptop computer. This requirement is tied directly to the introductory teacher education course—the first teacher education course that teaching majors will take. This course requirement is no different than a faculty member assigning a particular edition of a textbook or a mathematics or science professor requiring a particular instrument, such as a specified graphing calculator, to be used in a course.

Besides stressing the fact that a laptop computer is required, it is as important to let prospective students and their parents or guardians know that they SHOULD NOT purchase a laptop computer until the specified type is announced in mid-May of 2008. We want to provide the newest/best technology package and tools with the greatest discount offer that we can negotiate.

In addition to your sharing this information with prospective students, students who receive an official notification of admission to Ball State and who indicate teacher education as a first or second choice will receive notification in writing of this requirement.

The cost of a required computer can be added to the financial aid applicant's cost of attendance, which is used in the determination of financial need and the awarding of financial aid. This additional cost can be covered by borrowing through federal or private loan programs. You may contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for additional information, 1-800-227-4017 or http://www.bsu.edu/finaid .

We believe that educating future teachers who are best prepared to use technology to help P-12 students learn is an obligation. Our commitment in this regard has been showcased as a national model at the following Web site: http://www.apple.com/education/profiles/ballstate/ . A strong infrastructure of support for the laptop requirement is in place to help students be successful. In addition, Ball State University was highlighted in a USA Today article titled, "Totally wired on campus," featuring elementary education major A. J. Hunter. To read the article, please go to http://www.bsu.edu/up/media/pdf/digitalnatives.pdf . Additional information regarding requirements and support is at http://www.bsu.edu/teachers/laptops .

Thank you for sharing this information with those who are interested in pursuing a teaching major at Ball State University. Your assistance is greatly valued. If you or your prospective students and their parents have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact me by e-mail, rweaver@bsu.edu; at work, 765-285-5251; at home, 765-288-4344; or via cell phone, 765-744-0913.

Sincerely,

Roy A. Weaver, Dean