Lawrence, KS (CSTV U-WIRE) -- March's madness knows no boundary. The excitement and unpredictability of the games will not stay contained within the arena walls.

When the NCAA tournament tips into action, students across campus will monitor each game through their cell phones and laptops - during class.

"I'm going to act like I'm taking notes," said Jared Repola, Olathe junior. Repola, like many other students, will do his best impersonation of a note-taker as he clicks through game-trackers on his laptop. Others will hold their cell phones below the desk as they check score updates on the tournament. Those students watching live feeds or watching live updates will try to keep emotions and excitement intact. A bout of excitement over a good play could leave the student vulnerable to be caught.

"I try not to show so much emotion," Repola said. "I try to be as quiet as I can."

Tommy Ellis, Bucklin freshman, said stealth was important. He thought some teachers may single out those not paying attention in class.

"I'll act like I'm typing," Ellis said. "I'd imagine they'd be hunting for us. They know what time of the year it is."In some cases, students should not fear being caught at all by professors. Mainly, because the professors can't tell the difference.

"I probably won't be able to detect it," said David Holmes, professor of psychology.

Holmes teaches an abnormal psychology class at 120 Budig. He endures what dozens of professors endure, a large Budig lecture hall lined with wireless Internet. It is a breeding ground for Internet distractions. Come tournament time, any computer with wireless capabilities can track each game live. Chuck Marsh, professor of journalism, teaches Journalism 101 in Budig 110. He tells his classes if they use a laptop for class, they should sit in the back of the hall so they do not distract others. That rule won't change for the tournament.

Marsh said he would not point out a student who was tracking a game and not taking notes. He said he himself was once a student who listened to transistor radios through an earpiece that he would try to hide from his teachers. He said so long as it does not distract others, he does not mind.

Would he call a student out who shows a little too much excitement toward "taking notes?"

"I am so immature, I may point someone out," Marsh said laughing.

This year, tournament enthusiasts have a new weapon. In the past, fans could follow only updates on their cell phones or computers. This March, cbs.sportsline.com is offering a free deal to watch an actual live feed of a game just as it would appear on TV.

There is a limit on the number of people who can view the games, but that limit is in the hundreds of thousands.

(C) 2006 University Daily Kansan via CSTV U-WIRE