May 11, 2007

Dear Teacher Education Student,

In November of 2006 the College of Education (COE) adopted a laptop computer requirement for initial teacher certification candidates beginning Fall, 2007 for students enrolled in TED 2251, TED 3550 and TED 5650.

The college has made the decision to delay implementation of this requirement until Fall, 2008.  However, it is highly recommended that students enrolled in these classes for Fall 2007 have the college-specified laptop. Both TED 3550 and TED 5650 will utilize a range of activities that require access to technology while in the field. The TED 2551 class assignments are geared toward extensive use of a variety of technologies for teaching and learning including being able to communicate virtually with individuals being mentored.  Further, all three of these classes are designed to meet Standard 7 of the state’s Administrative Rules for teacher certification. They also support the state superintendent’s call for 21st century skills for classroom teachers. (See enclosed regarding 21st century skills.)

In addition, the college-specified laptop will be required for Fall 2008 for all incoming teacher preparation students taking COE classes and those who will be taking the three TED classes listed in the previous paragraph.

If you have already purchased the college-specified laptop in anticipation of enrolling in these classes in Fall, 2007 we applaud you for being pro-active in this regard.  To show our support for your recognition of the importance of technology in your curriculum, the college will provide you with a free “Teachers On The Go” package for your laptop that includes programs of your choice (see attached flyer.)  You may pick any one of the four options. The deadline for this one-time offer expires June 30, 2007. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in free workshops throughout the summer to familiarize you with the activities, tools and tasks your laptop is capable of.  You can find the schedule for these workshops at:  http://ted.coe.wayne.edu/StudentWorkshops.

COE students who purchased the college-specified laptop must provide a copy of their receipt showing proof of purchase between November 2006 and June 15, 2007. Mail or drop off a photocopy of your receipt and a cover note with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address and student number to Dr. Mary Waker, Director, Education Technology Center, 114 Education Building, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202.  Please note that the $100 discount on the college-specified laptop expires on June 15, 2007, although the reduced university pricing will still apply.

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Waker at coelaptops@wayne.edu.

Sincerely,

Paula C. Wood, Dean

Gerald Oglan, Assistant Dean, Teacher Education Division