There were several pertinent articles in Change and the Chronicle of Higher Education . In addition, the Chronicle had an ongoing discussion via letters to the editor. References are also provided. Finally, the e-mail responses to my posting are attached. Software can be obtained at reduced prices with a site license, but some licenses require that the computer be university rather than student owned.
Universal availability eliminates contention among faculty for access to teaching labs.
Can recover lab space. Creates equal opportunity for all students with regard to computer access. Some claim that computers encourage more, not less, contact between faculty and students. The experience gained can enhance the student's marketability. It is less expensive to support laptop spaces in classrooms with a power supply and network connection at each seat than to support desktop-based classrooms.