Mission Statement
Mission: Create a wireless network throughout campus which functions seamlessly with the wired network so as to expand the possibilities for integrating technology into the learning environment at Ohio State.
However, specific benefits of wireless networking tend to blur with the bigger issue of integrating technology into teaching.
The four main impacts of a wireless learning environment relate to: mobility, access, dynamics, and economics.
Mobility
Primary goal is to change the learning environment so as to match the needs of the learner.
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Students can move communication technology throughout the classroom and the campus.
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For some disciplines, field work can utilize wireless to combine data gathering with real-time data entry and analysis.
Access
Primary goal is to create a learning environment in which communication and network access is continuous and universal.
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All students and faculty can access the wired and wireless network as needed.
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Improved opportunities for access by individuals with disabilities
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Students can access learning information from current and previous courses as needed.
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Teams and/or individual learners can communicate with each other and/or the instructor as needed.
Dynamics
Primary goal is to improve the flexibility of the learning environment to facilitate greater interaction among learners and faculty.
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Promote deeper learning; wireless networking increases the opportunity for students to learn new aspects of communication technology in the course of studying content.
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Change the lecture/lab mix; mobile labs with wireless create opportunities to switch between lecture and computer-based experiences within the same classroom.
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Change the content options; wireless access enables learners to access instructional resources beyond the capacity of their text or notes.
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Meet the expectations of progressive learners; wireless networking is expected by students of today and the future.
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Create new models for learning; virtual communities outside of class can promote more interactive forms of learning and self-reliance of students on themselves and each other.
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Increase collaboration with others; wireless video conferencing expands the opportunity to incorporate outside experts, end users, children, or learners in other locations.
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Serve the needs of multitasking students; a wireless enabled campus allows students to meet a variety of personal and professional goals, while at the same time, achieve desired learning objectives
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Redefine the role and function of the classroom. Stimulate faculty to think beyond lecture halls and computer labs, "Take chances, get messy, make mistakes."
Economics
Primary goal is to improve the economics of the networking technology investment, while increasing the opportunities for learning.
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Networking opportunities no longer require hard wiring and expensive computer labs.
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Internet connection options have moved beyond the laptop into PDAs and cell phones.
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Reduced scheduling of computer labs for faculty demonstration of technology-assisted assignments.
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Improved space utilization within a building.
