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May 1, 2003

Networking Without Wires

By Judy Salpeter and Jerry Crystal

If you've been paying attention to the educational technology gurus recently, a key phrase you've heard over and over is "wireless connectivity." Wireless technologies have seen explosive growth around the globe in the past few years and there is little sign of a slowdown. In fact, forecasters predict that the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) market in the U.S. alone will reach $4.6 billion by the year 2005.

K-12 schools are finding a particular affinity for the wireless LANs, which permit students and teachers to travel on and off campus with Internet-equipped wireless laptops or roll mobile computer carts from one classroom to another to serve as labs. A number of Web resources are available to help education technology leaders in their quest to keep up with the rapidly changing world off 802.11 (or "Wi-Fi") technology-the wireless standard on which today's WLANs are built.

Wireless Technology in Education: Moving From Pilots to Mainstream
The recently released "Peak Report" offers an in-depth look at trends and uses of wireless and mobile technologies in education. Based on a national survey conducted in association with AEL, a nonprofit educational research organization, the report identifies and analyzes key data concerning educational deployment of wireless technologies. This information-packed 100+ page publication includes statistics about school purchases; glossaries and other technical explanations; extensive directories of products and resources; and an examination of the issues, obstacles and opportunities facing wireless in education. The report is available for purchase by schools at a special educator discount price of $79.

BECTA
The September 2002 online report, Wireless Networking in Schools - A Decision Making Guide for School Leaders, published by the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA), provides educators with another great introduction to the world of wireless connectivity. It gives a step-by-step overview of the processes involved in implementing a variety of wireless solutions in education settings and offers numerous case studies and a comprehensive glossary. The BECTA Web site also features briefer "information sheets" on wireless networking and other emerging technologies.

802.11 Planet
802.11 Planet lives up to its hype as "the source for Wi-Fi business and technology." While it's emphasis is not on education, school leaders will find it a great resource for information about 802.11 standard and wireless/mobile computing. Whether you're looking for industry news, reviews of applications, technical tutorials or user discussion groups, this is a good place to start. Check out the HOTSPOTS page that helps you find wireless access points around the world- a handy tool when traveling with a laptop.

Intel Innovation in Education
The Emerging Technologies page at Intel's education site offers a number of useful references for educators interested in wireless networking. With articles focusing on mobile laptop labs and the use of mobile computing to bridge the digital divide in schools, the site features helpful wireless case studies, answers to frequently-asked questions, and information on relevant hardware and software.

Wireless Networking in Schools
In this frequently-updated online article by Australian educator Keith Leightbody, educators can find definitions of wireless terminology, updates on the technology, the pros and cons of going wireless, buying suggestions and more.

Wireless LAN Association
WLANA is a non-profit trade association for participants in the local area wireless technology industry. The association site acts as a clearinghouse of information about WLAN applications, issues and trends. Here you can read about the latest versions of the 802.11 standard, see definitions of wireless terminology, read about the state of the WLAN industry, or tap into market research on the cost-benefit aspects of wireless networking. WLANA also has a free newsletter that allows you to stay current with wireless applications, trends and technologies.

Computerworld's Mobile & Wireless Knowledge Center
This site, which explains wireless technology in an uncomplicated manner, is tailor-made for decision-makers who are not technology experts. Mobile and wireless news reports keep you up-to-date on company announcements and new products, while special reports tackle a variety of complex issues, including the steps involved in creating a wireless office and how to evaluate the Total Cost of Ownership of handhelds. Visitors can also sign up for a free newsletter on mobile/wireless technologies.

Palowireless
Based in Sydney, Australia, Palowireless bills itself as the "definitive Internet guide to wireless technologies." The site's 802.11 Resources page features a WLAN glossary, discussion groups, tutorials, market research and links to books, technology products, wireless tutorials and other resources.

Wireless ITtoolbox
The Wireless ITtoolbox offers industry news briefs, whitepapers and a variety of other technical resrources related to wireless technology. Visitors can also join professional e-mail based discussion communities that allow you to communicate with other users or IT professionals to solve problems and make decisions. A cursory search of the archives for subjects related to "schools," garnered 5 different discussion threads with over 1000 respondents. This may be just the place to begin if you're implementing a wireless solution and run up against a glitch. This resource may provide you the opportunity to come to your technicians' rescue for a change.

Cutting the Cord: Wireless Computing Comes of Age
This white paper is one in a series of eight monographs that make up the CoSN Compendium, an annual compilation by the Consortium for School Networking. Cutting the Cord, which is available in print or pdf format, features a glossary, analysis of the PEAK Report, an explanation of different wireless standards, and a number of wireless case studies.

Email: Judy Salpeter