Russ Smith
05-02-2002, 11:50 AM
Source: c/net News (http://news.com.com/2100-1033-896721.html?tag=cd_mh)
American University in Washinton, DC will become the first fully-wireless networked campus this fall. Cell-phones will replace the phones in dorm rooms and wireless access points are being set up throughout the campus to allow internet and university net access.
The cellular phones are being set up through Cingular Wireless and an undisclosed second carrier. Students will get a special package for phone use.
Students will also be able to use hand-helds and laptops to wirelessly access the university's network and Internet. They'll be able to check grades, get transcripts, receive assignments, and get information on class cancelations and bad weather through the network.
Cellular antennae and wireless access points are being set up throughout the campus to eliminate "dead areas" that usually occur within large buildings so that student will have access to voice and data throughout the 84-acre campus.
My opinion:
This is the kind of thing that almost makes we wish I was back in college. Colleges are more free to do this sort of thing as they can require that their students have a laptop or PDA and use the university cellular plan. Highschools seem to be moving in the opposite direction and even considering banning cell-phone and PDA use because of the distrations it causes and the fact that it is beyond the control of the school.
When I think of all the time wasted in college classes handing out papers, notes, and other documents, I can see a real advantage to simply having them available for download. I see a lot of advantages in using technology to improve the ability of teachers and students to communicate and to help the students become aware of and be more adept at taking advantage of technology. While I understand the difficulties some schools have with students that understand technology better than the teachers, I think that's primarily and issue of training. Some teachers also raise the issue of cheating. I think that's a red-herring. Students who cheat will find a way, whether it's high-tech or low-tech. Teachers just need to be aware of the possibilities and, as always, keep their eyes open.
So what do you think? Do you think highschools should allow PDA and/or cell-phone use? How can they "police" that use? Would you attend a college that has access like American University? Would that type of access be one of your primary considerations in choosing a college?
Hit [reply] and tell us.
American University in Washinton, DC will become the first fully-wireless networked campus this fall. Cell-phones will replace the phones in dorm rooms and wireless access points are being set up throughout the campus to allow internet and university net access.
The cellular phones are being set up through Cingular Wireless and an undisclosed second carrier. Students will get a special package for phone use.
Students will also be able to use hand-helds and laptops to wirelessly access the university's network and Internet. They'll be able to check grades, get transcripts, receive assignments, and get information on class cancelations and bad weather through the network.
Cellular antennae and wireless access points are being set up throughout the campus to eliminate "dead areas" that usually occur within large buildings so that student will have access to voice and data throughout the 84-acre campus.
My opinion:
This is the kind of thing that almost makes we wish I was back in college. Colleges are more free to do this sort of thing as they can require that their students have a laptop or PDA and use the university cellular plan. Highschools seem to be moving in the opposite direction and even considering banning cell-phone and PDA use because of the distrations it causes and the fact that it is beyond the control of the school.
When I think of all the time wasted in college classes handing out papers, notes, and other documents, I can see a real advantage to simply having them available for download. I see a lot of advantages in using technology to improve the ability of teachers and students to communicate and to help the students become aware of and be more adept at taking advantage of technology. While I understand the difficulties some schools have with students that understand technology better than the teachers, I think that's primarily and issue of training. Some teachers also raise the issue of cheating. I think that's a red-herring. Students who cheat will find a way, whether it's high-tech or low-tech. Teachers just need to be aware of the possibilities and, as always, keep their eyes open.
So what do you think? Do you think highschools should allow PDA and/or cell-phone use? How can they "police" that use? Would you attend a college that has access like American University? Would that type of access be one of your primary considerations in choosing a college?
Hit [reply] and tell us.