Week 13 (Chapter 11 & 12)

What advantages can broad bandwidth and wireless networking offer schools? Describe the current technologies available for wireless connectivity.


Wireless networking is a giant step in progress for classroom instruction. This advancement in technology is important for both the teacher and the student. Wireless and the Internet are key to future of instruction and learning. The first advantage for the use of wireless is in cost to the school district. With wireless communication, there is no need for extra desks, extra cables, extra plugs, extra anything! Now, the classroom can improve the physical layout and accessibility by using handy laptops in lieu of the bulky desktop cpu and monitor configurations.

Another advantage is for the instructor. The instructor does not have to be tied down to one location for use of the internet. Oftentimes, the room had to be physically configured around the site for the instructor’s device. Now, more mobility makes it less cumbersome for all involved. This wireless technology allows students and teachers to access personal class information from anywhere on campus. No longer does the instruction for that class end once you are outside the four walls of the classroom. Now, without taking cumbersome books and materials, the class can easily be relocated to a field trip, library, outside activity, or another room to accommodate repairs, etc.

For Internet access, WiFi (wireless fidelity) is the most familiar term to the general population of wireless computer users. This technology allows you to access the Internet from practically anywhere – limited the same way a cell phone is limited – no tower. This technology is a great advancement for the classroom. It is quick, easy, cordless, cableless, and keeps information at the fingertips. Almost obsolete is the dial-up connection to the Internet.

The current technologies available for wireless connectivity include Bluetooth technology. This is a key improvement for all involved in cost, configuration, and instruction in education. Again, this technology allows the communication of various forms of technology without the use of cables, cords, etc. The various communications with other devices make teaching and learning a much more mobile approach. The best example of the great development is printing. Now, the computer can send the print job to the printer without the use of cables. If you have ever had to purchase a cable for your computer, you know the economic impact of this development. Further development of this technology will make the classrooms much more compact, but much more physically attractive and conducive to learning!