Michigan wireless program: learning without limits. (Notebook: education information from schools, business, research and professional organizations).

It's been a busy technology year for Michigan. First, there was a $110 million teacher laptop program. Then came the $6 million Leading the Future technology leadership program for principals and superintendents. Now, the state is starting a $9.5 million Learning Without Limits education initiative, and the focus is on technology in the classroom.

Launched by the state Department of Education and Michigan Virtual University, the program will first offer funds for up to 15 districts to begin or expand a wireless computing program. At press time, a 32-member advisory group of representatives from K-12, higher education, business and government, along with education department and virtual university officials, was evaluating the grant applications.

"Learning Without Limits is about giving every student a seat in the front row," says Michigan Speaker of the House Rick Johnson, the former school board member who spearheaded the initiative. "Technology makes that possible. It makes learning go beyond the traditional walls of the classroom."

Within a year, the program is expected to generate a robust set of student and teacher experiences to guide future decisions in educational technology. A library of professional development opportunities for teachers will also be developed.

www.learningwithoutlimitsmi.org