2. WARNING This presentation is best viewed on PowerPoint (Microsoft Office) XP. If viewed with any other version of PPT, you may not see the same fonts and effects.

3. Wireless Technology To Wire or Not to Wire... That is the Question Presentation by : Tracy Chapman

4. What is Wireless Technology?  “Wireless Technology” can refer to a myriad of wireless electronic devices (phones, palm pilots, keyboards, etc.). However... The focus of this presentation is the world of wireless computers. More specifically, laptops in the classroom.

5. Imagine This... There you are, sitting on a park bench enjoying the warm, spring, noonday sun on an extended lunch break. All the while, you are accessing the internet via a port placed strategically nearby for your convenience. Too good to be true? Not anymore.

6. “ Oh, the Places It’ll Go” Kids on campus, folks at work, people in restaurants, latte-slurping jerks. They all use wireless, use wireless I say. They all use wireless, use wireless today!

7. Kids on Campus... Many universities are requiring incoming freshmen to have wireless capable laptop computers. Whether on campus or at nearby locations, students are able to access the campus network via the internet. Many universities are requiring incoming freshmen to have wireless capable laptop computers. Whether on campus or at nearby locations, students are able to access the campus network via the internet. Restaurants and coffee houses are also catering to the wireless savvy public by installing ports that make internet access possible from wireless laptop computers. Restaurants and coffee houses are also catering to the wireless savvy public by installing ports that make internet access possible from wireless laptop computers.

8. Top Ten Reasons to Use Laptops in the Classroom 10. Portable network/internet access 9. Socio-economic status is not a factor. 9. Socio-economic status is not a factor. 8. More project based, hands on learning 8. More project based, hands on learning 7. Writing has more appeal. 7. Writing has more appeal. 6. Integrated lessons in all subject areas 6. Integrated lessons in all subject areas 5. Teachers lecture less. 5. Teachers lecture less. 4. Students gain competitive advantage. 4. Students gain competitive advantage. 3. Paperless 3. Paperless 2. High time on task 2. High time on task 1. No Wires! 1. No Wires!

9. Look Before You Leap Prior to implementation, consider the following:  Resistance to change  Cost for implementation  Staff Development  Alignment to your school’s mission  Information/privacy security  Hardware management  Staff commitment to use of technology for meaningful lessons

10. Can You Put a Price on Learning?  Infrastructure - Wireless has to include some wires.  Hardware/Software  Ports (access points) need to be installed. The number of ports depends on the size and availability to the school population.  Staff development could involve upwards of 120 hours (Will they be paid a stipend?).  Technical support

11. The School Library Media Specialist’s Role Essentially, the SLMS’s job would be to manage hardware and assist with staff development. Essentially, the SLMS’s job would be to manage hardware and assist with staff development. Management of Hardware:  Assign bar codes to laptops  Devise a checkout system for teachers  Conduct inventory  Store materials  Call for technical support as needed Staff Development:  Assess needs  Plan/organize workshops  Monitor technology trends  Serve as wireless liaison  Encourage usage  Assist in lesson planning

12. Research Says...  The research that I have found suggests that the best way to make the most of wireless technology is to marry your current wired facilities with a rolling lab, which would include enough laptops for each student in a classroom setting.  Also, teachers MUST be willing to change the way they teach in order to best utilize these resources.  A major emphasis in schools that implement wireless technology is the use of effective integrated units, not just using technology for technology’s sake.

13. To Wire or Not to Wire?  As a classroom teacher, I see wireless technology as having endless possibilities. Students are more engaged in learning and better prepared for the ever changing world of technology. I would be “Pro Wireless” because I see myself as a flexible teacher, computer literate, and willing to go the extra mile if it means success for my students.

14. To Wire or Not to Wire?  If I were the SLMS, I would again be “Pro Wireless”. It is important for the SLMS to be capable of functioning in a technology rich environment. However, I feel strongly about merging a wired system with several wireless labs. Issues such as funding and staff resistance make this solution more feasible.

15. While wireless is an attractive option, it must be carefully considered. Your site must be willing to invest a considerable amount of cost and time in order to have a successful implementation. “Science and technology multiply around us. To an increasing extent they dictate the languages in which we speak and think. Either we use those languages, or we remain mute.” - J.G. Ballard, British novelist