Like movie character Jerry Maguire, the College of Education recently shouted, "Show me the money!"

Or in this case, show me the $1,534 for a new MacBook. Last week, the College of Education announced it will require all students in the Kindergarten Education (EKED) and Secondary English Education (SECED ENGL) programs to purchase the laptops by fall 2008 in order to run iMovie and podcasting software.

The student response has been overwhelmingly skeptical -- some wonder whether financial aid will in fact pay for the cost of the laptop.

Others are concerned for freshmen who buy the laptop and later wish to change majors.

And why can't the College of Education provide MacBook labs?

With tuition rising every year, Penn State must recognize the increasing student debt and choose carefully when requiring supplemental materials.

Not everyone will put to full use the latest processor or graphics chip that comes with the College of Education's required laptop.

IMovie and podcasting software can easily run on lower requirements than specified by the college. Older Macs could be purchased at a lower price and still run the software -- albeit slower -- but at a fraction of the cost of a new MacBook.

There also exists PC software comparable to iMovie, such as Sony's Vegas, Adobe Premiere Elements, Ulead VideoStudio and Windows Movie Maker.

The College of Education could require affected students to download one of these applications, rather than making students buy new computers.

Oh, and don't forget -- there are some students who just don't get along with Macs. The learning curve could cause some to get behind, become frustrated and not be able to complete assignments.

Plus, how many times do you find new MacBooks in elementary and secondary school classrooms and labs? Or in the hands of grade-school students?

Most of the computers in these schools are slightly to very outdated PCs. This new initiative doesn't seem like training for the real world -- because in the real world, the education market typically adopts new technology somewhat late.

One thing seems clear, however -- Penn State should think twice before making students show them the money.