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While
it is still much more common to find Wi-Fi (wireless internet access)
networks on university campuses rather in schools, a new trend is
certainly emerging: in 2004, U.S. public schools (grades K-12) spent
nearly $2 billion on Wi-Fi access
networks, according to industry sources.
The purpose of Wi-Fi networks in schools is two-fold: first, to provide
internet access to students in the classrooms; and second, to provide
the teachers and the administrators with wireless phones that can
work anywhere inside the building. Those phones enable the school
staff to stay connected with each other. Spectralink,
for example, is one company that provides such wireless networked
phones. Internet access, on the other hand, requires laptop computers
that are equipped with wireless cards. Dell
Computer, a major player
in that field, offers a complete solution known as the "Intelligent
Classroom".
According to the company, it is a solution that "merges multi-media
tools with personal computing and the Internet, allowing students,
teachers and technology to interact in new ways and maximize technology
investments".
Learning about computing and what the
Internet can offer prepares today's children for the challenges that
they are certain to face as they enter the workforce. It is simply
the wave of the future. Wireless Internet access takes traditional
computing a step further: it brings "anytime, anywhere learning" to
schools, according to Intel Corp., the maker of more than 90% of
the personal computer microprocessors. Students can search the Internet
and work on homework assignments at school and then seamlessly continue
working at home by simply carrying their notebook computers with
them. Indeed, schools found that students become very attracted to
the mobile computer to the degree that the scholarly productivity
and speed of learning of the individual student is greatly enhanced
by this new tool. According to Intel, "today, delivering lectures
is not enough". Schools
must provide the students with the motivation to excel in learning
and reach their maximum potential.
In a case study , Dr.
Annette Griffin, district superintendent for schools in a Texas county,
said: "When we started planning this project two years
ago, we knew that some families would not be able to afford a laptop. We wanted
the children in those families to have equal access to technology. Through our
foundation, corporate grants and many other ways, we have funded a laptop for
every student who wants to be in this program".
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