Number 28 January 1, 2003	A publication of Project Eagle, St. Petersburg College

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Information Technology Innovations - Part 2*

Wireless Technology

"What does mobile computing offer schools?...freedom to pursue
learning anytime, anyplace."
(Susan McLester, "Next Wave Mobile Computing" Technology & Learning, November 2002)

The last issue of BEEP looked at how IT innovations like Internet2 and changes in academic libraries are affecting college-level learning. This one provides a similar examination of the wireless technology phenomenon, including wireless networks, portable digital assistants (PDAs), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), wireless interactive teaching simulations (WITS), and even wearable computers.

Background

"Are Personal Digital Assistants the Next Must-Have Tool?" Article by Scott Carlson in The Chronicle of Higher Education, October 11, 2002, that looks at the pro's and con's of hand-held devices at the college level.
"The Brave New World of Wireless Technologies: A Primer for Educators." Article by Gerald L. Boerner in Syllabus, (16:3), October 2002, that provides educators with what they need to know about the basics of wireless technology.
"Broadband on the Run." Article by Barbara Miracle in Florida Trend, November 2002, that reviews the use of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) in general, then profiles its use at Florida International University and other South Florida establishments. Article is free to read after online registration.
"Classrooms with Wi-Fi: A Challenge for Teacher Control and a Revolution in Learning." Article by Mahesh P. Bhave in T. H. E. Journal, November 2002, about the challenges for teacher control created by the proliferation of wirelessly connected laptops and Wi-Fi-enabled campuses.
"Handheld Computing: Toward a More Mobile Campus." Article by Mary A. C. Fallon in Syllabus, (16:4), November 2002, that discusses how hundreds of colleges and universities are experimenting with ways to enhance learning with mobile devices.
"How Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) Work." Article by Craig C. Freudenrich on HowStuffWorks.com explaining how these devices work in a basic, yet comprehensive, way.

An overview of the history and evolution of the PDA can also be found at "PDA Overview" on the Webopedia.com site.

"Wearable Computers Enter the Classroom." Article by Al Swanson for United Press International, March 6, 2002, about the use and success of wireless wearable computers for disabled students in a special education setting.
"Wireless Networks in the Library." PowerPoint presentation by Marshall Breeding, Vanderbilt University (TN), about the challenge for academic libraries of establishing effective and secure wireless networks.

Examples

Bridgewater State College Deploys Campus-Wide Wireless Network Using Enterasys Networks RoamAbout. One Massachusett-based college's experience with deploying a new wireless local area network as part of its Wireless Classroom Project.
"Campus-Wide Wireless: Mobility and Convergence." Interview with Lawrence M. Levine, Dartmouth College (NH) director of computing, in Syllabus (16:3), October 2002. Mr. Levine discusses how the college offers wireless access throughout the campus, with insights on implementation and maintenance. Another look at the Dartmouth experience can be found in an article by Josh McHugh, "Unplugged U." It appears in Wired (10:10), October 2002.
"College Students Go Handheld." Article by Craig Phillips on the CliffsNotes.com Web site that offers a list of the various uses a typical college student might have with a PDA.
"Implementing PDAs in a College Course: One Professor's Perspective." Article by Doug Peterson, University of South Dakota, in Syllabus (16:4), November 2002, that looks at an instructor's experience in one of the first universities to implement a full-scale PDA program.
Personal Digital Assistants for the Health Sciences. Web site maintained by the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences at the University of Iowa to assist students using PDAs.
Technology Center: Wireless FAQ. An information list designed to assist students using PDAs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas.
"Web Surfers Begin to Catch the Wireless Wave." Article by Alvin Powell, in the Harvard University Gazette, September 19, 2002, about the new wireless computer network that Harvard (MA) implemented in the past summer.
Wireless Interactive Teaching Simulations (WITS). Article by Kevin M. Oliver, Catherine C. Eckel, and Sheryl L. Ball, Virginia Tech, about the WITS process, which uses handheld devices with wireless access to increase student interaction in Iarge lecture courses.
"Wireless Library Aids Student Productivity." Article by Mahesh S. Raisinghani in T.H.E. Journal, November 2002, that details the benefits of the wireless library at the University of Dallas for students, faculty and staff.

General Wireless Information Sources

Anywhereyougo.com. Comprehensive, commercial Web site that addresses all aspects of the wireless industry.
Bluetooth.com. Official Web site for this much-heralded but slow to materialize network technology.
IEEE Wireless Communications Magazine. Although much of the magazine is accessible to the general public, only subscribers to IEEE Wireless Communications Magazine, formerly known as IEEE Personal Communications Magazine, can view the technical content.
Wireless.com. A Web site that covers everything about the wireless industry, including technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, satellite, broadband, equipment, semiconductors, software and security.
Wireless NewsFactor. Web site with real time wireless news from around the world.
The Wireless-Ready Web. Web site maintained by Palm Products for users of wireless handheld devices. Includes a special Web clipping application for easy transfer of information to wireless devices like the Palm Pilot.
YourWireless.net. A comprehensive site with FAQs and lists of Wi-Fi public community networks, service providers and hot spots at commercial establishments nationwide.

*Part 1, the December 2002 issue of BEEP, reviewed the impact of Internet2 and the technology-inspired changes that have taken place in academic libraries.

The contents of BEEP were developed under a grant from the U. S. Department of Education (DOE). However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the DOE, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.