January 2002 — Editorial

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Instructional Networks - Some Emerging Tools

By Dr. Sylvia Charp, Editor-in Chief

Many educational networks are in place to provide administrative reports and instructional content. To accommodate a growing student population expecting anywhere, anytime access to information, concern must center on how best to provide a flexible technology infrastructure. Ubiquitous access to online services that are available at all times has resulted in changes. Network ports are provided in study halls, labs, residence halls, rooms and throughout the institution to facilitate the teaching and learning process. Network infrastructure are allowing multiple devices to connect simultaneously to each other throughout the school, between buildings and throughout the community.

Most college and university faculty are using the Internet. According to a 2001 Market Data Retrieval Report titled "Technology in Education," more than 85 percent of schools provide Internet access in classrooms, and nearly half of the installed base of computers are in classrooms. The total estimated spending for technology in 2000-2001 was $5.53 billion or $117.50 per student - 67 percent for hardware, 20 percent for software and 14 percent for staff development. A large portion of monies also funds Internet initiatives at all levels of education, and in businesses to help manage the collection and distribution of information.

The "IT Spending Confidence Survey," from Gartner Inc. and SoundView Technology Group Inc., which surveyed 1,048 IT professionals, found that budgets for 2002 will rise 1.5 percent over 2001. Those surveyed said the following technologies would have a greater chance of being funded in 2002: security, storage, Web-based applications, PDAs and Web integration services. Areas less likely to receive funding include mainframe upgrades and contracted labor.

A number of new technologies using network capabilities are also in place in educational institutions, including wireless Internet access and thin clients.

Wireless Internet Access

Business is leading the way in using wireless. Wireless technology is used in almost every sector of our working environment to tap into existing networks. Campuses are also experiencing explosive growth of campuswide wireless networks. Cornell Uni-versity plans to have its 17 libraries, numerous study areas and residence halls covered by 120 access points, each to support approximately 30 students. Carnegie Mellon University has been operating without wires for over two years. More than 400 wireless access points are provided throughout its campus thanks to a $600,000 grant from Lucent Technologies.

Everyone can relate to the benefits of untethered network computing. For network managers, IT means the ability to instantly bring new users online without running cable or providing new switch ports. For users, IT means doing work on another floor, in or outside another building. Wireless LANs eliminate the cost of installing cable and wiring existing buildings. Wireless networks provide conventional LAN functionality without using wires, transmitting data via radio or infrared signals. Adapter cards help to send and receive signals through the air to access points plugged into the wired network at a hub or switch. Access points can communicate with 15-20 computers positioned from up to 10 miles away.