Lately we have had some spirited debates within the administrative ranks about the relative merit of moving our K-12 school campuses to a wireless infrastructure. Perhaps our less than stellar experience with our first wireless installation within the district has caused this spirited dialogue.
Here are a few of my initial thoughts on what a wireless environment brings to the table.
What changes? (The obvious)
With wireless access, students have greater access to technology, both bringing in their own devices as well as better utilization of the school’s resources. Overall, technology becomes more available and can be used in more flexible ways. As an example, a large cart of 32 laptops can be split up between multiple rooms to support student work.
So what? (From my observations and readings)
• Classrooms can go paperless – mirroring how students will work in the 21st century, and BTW saving on paper costs, too.
• Student choice on assignments/projects – with more availability of technology comes more freedom for teachers to give students choice on student work and projects, supporting differentiation in the classroom
• Increased access to quality resources – Better access and availability of wireless technology opens up access to high quality resources like those in the INFOhio online database collection, Ohio Resource Center, netTrekker, etc… This supports our goal of making sure our students develop 21st Century skills, such as information and media literacy. Problem-based learning is also dependent on access to high quality resources that are up-to-date and relevant. This is a proven pedagogy we support in the district.
• Cooperative/collaborative learning - Students can pair up or have a computer assigned to their small group vs. using the technology on- on-one. Using less computers in one classroom frees up a cart/computers for other rooms and gives more students a chance to use technology as a tool for learning. See the eMints research for more on the value they found in pairing students at a computer.
• Assessment for Learning is supported through greater access to a wireless network and devices. Poll Everywhere, Wiffiti, Turning Point’s ResponseWare are just a few examples of what is available. Our JHS and HS teachers are getting great results when they use these techniques to get immediate feedback from students. They can immediately adjust instruction, ask provocative questions and dialogue with students and do pre- and post-assessments to guide instruction. A wireless infrastructure makes all of this possible.
• Technology Trends – More and more hardware that is hitting the streets (and schools) requires wireless connectivity. Cloud computing has pushed this along. An example- our iPod Touches at the JHS have limited use without wireless connectivity. Most of the applications require the Internet and exchange data through a wireless connection to the Cloud or email.
• 21st Century Skills – A foundational piece within 21st Century learning is preparing students for both college and careers. Most colleges and work places are wireless and support anytime, anywhere learning. Giving students early opportunities to work and learn in a wireless environment helps prepare them for their future.
What am I missing? What solid research it out there to support the implementation of wireless campuses K-12? I'd love to hear from you.
