Apple Corp.'s AirPort Card and AirPort Base Station

##AUTHORSPLIT##<--->

The AirPortBase Station is designed to allow wireless Internet access for up to 10 AirPort-readyMacintosh computers. To use the Base Station, each computer must have anAirPort Card. Only the Base station needs to be hooked up to a networkconnection. Each computer with an AirPort Card may then access the Internetwithout individual hook ups. Computers equipped with AirPort Cards can also belinked together to transfer files or play multiplayer games.

 

AirPort can be enjoyed by any student or adult with Internetaccess. In a classroom, the AirPort allows the computers to be moved orrearranged as needed without concern for Internet plug-in placements. Myclassroom consists mainly of physically and/or mentally impaired students. Eachyear it is necessary for me to rearrange my classroom furniture to bestaccommodate the wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment. The inconvenience ofnonexistent or awkwardly placed “drops” is no longer a problem for me. I canalso make better use of my large screen monitor by placing it in a centralizedlocation, and still have Internet access for group activities.

 

At this time, our school campus is undergoing majorrenovation. Keeping the network intact is a problem all its own. When the dustsettles, another teacher and I would like to experiment to see if the BaseStation will work from my classroom to hers. If we are successful, she will beafforded the same advantages of furniture rearranging that I have.

 

Ours is a dual platform school. The addition of an AirPortto our campus has advanced our technology base beyond many surrounding schools.Because the AirPort system is so user-friendly and relatively affordable, ithas proven advantageous in classrooms that use Macintosh computers. (The IBM/PCfolks at my school were envious when they heard everything the AirPort can doin a classroom.) The ease of access to computers and the Internet encouragesstudents to investigate new ways of finding information, to workcollaboratively on projects, and to discover new ways to explore the world aroundthem.

 

I am so impressed and excited about the AirPort Card andBase Station that I plan to use it in my classroom, encourage purchases forother Macintosh classrooms, and use one at home when we acquire an additionalMac. I loved the comments from my students — one calls the Base Station a “bigmouse,” and others have said it looks like a “flying saucer,” but everyone isimpressed with what such a small, odd looking little thing can do!

 

 

 

Contact Information

Apple Corp.

Cupertino, CA

(800) 538-9696

www.apple.com

 

Operating System:

Macintosh OS 8.6+

with Internet access

 

Price:

AirPort card — $99

AirPort base station — $299

Beverly C. Watson

ESE Teacher

Springfield Elementary School

Panama City, Florida

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

Featured

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.