SJSU’s Wireless Laptop Pilot Project, an SJSU Academic Technology initiative, was established to equip students with the technology skills needed in a knowledge-based global economy. In addition, the university’s administrators sought to improve collaboration among students, faculty, and the wider San Francisco Bay Area community. With its location in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU was the ideal launch pad for this new learning model.

“The Valley is one of the greatest places on earth for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship,” notes Goodman. “We wanted to have that type of spirit embodied here in our teaching. In that way our students will leave here with cutting-edge skills. Also, they will be recognized by their future employers — many of whom are multinational companies who are on the bleeding edge of technology — as having had that integration of technology and learning in their classroom experience.”

Computer Labs No Longer Make the Grade

When Goodman arrived at SJSU in 2001, he brought with him some very definite attitudes about learning. “I’m dead-set against computer labs,” he says. “They’re confining, and don’t broaden the student’s classroom experience. Also, I believe the role of the faculty should be more of the ‘guide by the side,’ instead of the ‘sage on the stage.’

Apple really provided a total package for us in their ability to facilitate the Discovery process, in sharing with us how other universities have implemented similar student laptop programs, and in being a real repository of content knowledge.

— Mary Fran Breiling, Director, Wireless Laptop Pilot Project, San José State University

“I felt that San José State needed to change the learning environment away from labs, and provide the tools that would empower our students,” continues Goodman. “I believe that having the laptops would be the first critical breakthrough. The second would be the use of wireless technology, which would enable the learning process to continue outside of the classroom.”

Apple Assembles Advisory Team

Goodman got SJSU’s laptop project underway with a phone call to Apple. Previously a committed Windows user, Goodman recognized Apple’s expertise and legacy in educational technology innovation. Equally important, he knew that Apple could assemble a variety of important strategic partners.

“When I first came here,” recalls Goodman, “I called Apple and said, ‘I want to move these projects forward, and I need your assistance.’ They responded by bringing in an entire team of experts from around the country. That was the beginning of what’s become a critical relationship for us. And they’ve been here every step of the way ever since.”

Discovery Process Charts Vision

First on the agenda for SJSU: the articulation of a technology vision for the university. In March of 2002 (more than a year before the launch of the laptop program), more than 50 faculty and staff members who were interested in the laptop project gathered with a team of Apple facilitators. Led by Apple representatives, the group spent two days in a Discovery process.