Lyon College distributes 140 laptops to new students

LITTLE ROCK — BATESVILLE - Brian Reese spent months getting ready for college. He paid tuition, bought textbooks, gathered school supplies and even purchased items for his dorm room to give it a "homey" feel.

But one thing the Idaho native didn't have to buy was a computer.

Reese was one of 140 new Lyon College students that received a Lenovo Thinkpad laptop computer as part of the college's Lyon Experience program, which features laptops fully loaded with the software needed for Lyon instruction and extracurricular activities, an "experiential transcript" documenting student achievement outside the classroom and an endowed international studies program that provides two weeks of overseas travel, with students being responsible only for mealsand incidentals.

"I really like the idea of the program," Reese said while looking over his new laptop. "It makes it easier on the students. Finding a computer to do your work on is not something you have to worry about.

"With the laptops, everything is more convenient and effective. How could you not study? How could you not turn in a paper? You have all the tools right in front of you. It gives you no excuse."

Lyon College is the first school in the state and one of about 200 nationally that provides students with laptops upon entering college. Lyon President Walter Roettger said the computers not only allow students to thrive in a communication-rich world but also give every student equal access to learning tools.

"We know that this technology promotes learning and that computer proficiency is important to success after graduation," he said. "Lyon has invested heavily in information technology over the past decade, becoming one of the first fully wireless campuses in the state. ... Thanks to our technology infrastructure, we're now able to take this next step."

Lyon maintains the computers, which are loaded with classroom-relevant software and e-mail and wireless capabilities, and makes replacements available to students as needed.

Freshman Brandi Kroll of Mountain Home said she is grateful for the program because buying a computer was something she could take off her to-do list.

"I was surprised and happy when I heard about the laptops," she said. "I had no idea Lyonwould give us laptops. It was great because I thought I was going to have to purchase one myself."

Transfer student Nicki Sharp said the laptop program is invaluable to students on a budget.

"It is great for those who can'tafford to buy a computer," said Sharp, a Batesville native. "College is expensive, so anything that you don't have to buy helps a lot. And students can take the laptops off campus. They can go visit their families and still be ableto do their classwork."

Students will use the laptops for two years, including during breaks and summer. After that time, Lyon will refresh the computers to keep up with everchanging technology.