mobility
With cost concerns squeezing districts out of 1-to-1 computing programs, a once unthinkable solution is now in play: allowing students to bring their own laptops, PDAs, and—heaven help us—cell phones.
- By Jeff Weinstock
- 01/08/10
Digital Media
Keller Independent School District (KISD) of Keller, TX, has announced the implementation of a wireless video system to bring video and other forms of electronic media directly into the classroom. Teachers and students will receive the content over laptop computers and in-class wireless video devices via the district's newly installed 802.11n wireless LAN (WLAN) infrastructure, which replaces the existing wired network.
- By Scott Aronowitz
- 03/16/10
School Security News
Lightspeed Systems has launched a pair of appliances, named "Lightspeed Rockets," that integrate hardware preinstalled with either the company's Internet filtering or spam-blocking software for schools.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 03/08/10
Hardware & Infrastructure
Denville School District of Denville, NJ, is looking to boost its network capabilities and expand access to technology in its classrooms by overhauling its telecommunications infrastructure.
- By Scott Aronowitz
- 03/01/10
Networking
Denville School District of Denville, NJ, is looking to boost its network capabilities and expand access to technology in its classrooms by overhauling its telecommunications infrastructure.
- By Scott Aronowitz
- 02/26/10
School Security
Web 2.0 tools, such as blogs, forums, news feeds, and collaborative platforms, have opened up an entire world to educators and students pursuing project-based learning (PBL). But how do educators allow their students access to all the benefits of these tools while ensuring that they are't exposed to materials that might be considered unacceptable for a school's network? One way is through the use of "smart" filtering.
- By Scott Aronowitz
- 02/23/10
Wireless Networking in Schools
Oakington Manor Primary School (OMPS), located in the borough of Brent in London, England, U.K., has deployed 802.11n WiFi throughout the school. OMPS said it needed WiFi coverage that would ensure high speeds and adequate capacity for its 700-plus students working within an infrastructure that includes a radio station, a video conferencing system, an ICT suite, and a library featuring 3D devices.
- By Scott Aronowitz
- 02/16/10
Policy & Funding Issues
Education technology policy and advocacy groups have a lot to deal with these days. There's the new proposal to expand the federal E-Rate program. There are the National Broadband Plan and the new National Educational Technology Plan, both of which are on the verge of being revealed. And there's EETT, the sole source of funding specifically earmarked for educational technology, which is currently in danger of zero-funding.
Policy & Funding
The federal E-Rate program could be in for some major changes as it heads toward "version 2.0." A bill introduced in the House Tuesday, known as the E-Rate 2.0 Act of 2010, would amend the school technology program by adding a $2.5 billion residential broadband voucher pilot program for students; a $200 million e-book pilot program; and refinements to program administration designed to ease the application process.
Networking & Security
Securely sharing a network with the town where your district is located doesn't have to be a major undertaking. Chelmsford Public Schools in Massachusetts shows that all it takes is the right tools and the right attitude.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 02/09/10