Mobile Beacon is proud to partner with award-winning digital think tank, Digital Wish s annual Smart School Survey. Digital Wish and Mobile Beacon partners to offer free mobile hotspots for schools throughout the nation. Their survey showed, surprisingly, that 19% of students don't have access to a mobile computing device at home, and almost 21% don't have access to a laptop computer, so roughly over 11 million students are left behind during that time period. The devices, generally a simple cell phone with GPS capability, can also be used anywhere. These devices give access to Internet, email, text and video, as well as access to the class library.
Technology has advanced to such a degree that these devices are not just for colleges and universities. Numerous edtech magazines have listed the phones as a great investment for students, because they will increase student learning. Students will be able to download apps and learn more about their classes, school activities, or even their careers with the help of their cell phone. A mobile hotspot will offer students easy, wireless access to the Internet, making it easier for them to research information, take online classes, or access the school library. This type of technology integration can be invaluable to struggling school districts, where budgets are stretched thinner and funding is limited. Sites like www.pwbts.net/connected-bus/ can be most helpful for hotspotsolutions.
Some school districts are already taking advantage of this technology about mobile hotspots for schools. According to an article in the June 2021 edition of Wireless Technology & Education, several school districts have wireless networks installed on their buses. In addition, they offer wireless Internet access as part of a class offerings. This allows for remote learning and for e-mail, text messaging, and other technologies to be used in the classroom.
The same situation exists with high schools, though there may be more technological integration with existing networks. Many schools already use mobile VOIP equipment to make Internet access available over the wireless Internet connection. It's also used for video conferencing, where a teacher and a student can connect to the web through a video phone connection rather than using older, slower connections. With more school districts adding wireless Internet to classrooms, administrators and teachers can use VOIP software to conduct class presentations and other classroom activities from virtually any location.
Even though a wireless Internet network for a school may cost more initially, it could end up saving money in the long run. It will reduce the amount of time that school districts have to invest in additional wireless equipment. Wireless broadband Internet also provides the convenience of being able to connect to the Internet while on the go, or at home, saving the school district the expense of providing computers and other devices for students who may not be able to keep their laptops on lock. The convenience of wireless Internet may make it attractive to many potential customers. A wireless Internet connection could prove to be invaluable to a school district.
Some school districts have already made the decision to integrate wireless Internet with existing networks, but the rest of the districts are still in the process of considering whether they will include this technology in their schools. If your school district isn't yet exploring all of the possibilities and features of a mobile hotspot, now is the time to act. There is no better time than the present to begin discussing the benefits of a hotspot for schools. By embracing this new technology, you will be helping your school district stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive.
Not sure what a mobile hotspot is? Watch this: https://youtu.be/ktxC3vDukbc
