| | |
 |
|
| 10-15-2003 | Previous edition: 10-10-2003 |
        
     |
Printer-friendly version Wireless Internet usage rises
Assistant Campus Editor Wireless Internet usage around campus has increased nearly 300 percent since this time last year, and administrators are looking at how to make it more efficient and more applicable. "It was specifically designed around students and it is growing tremendously," said Steve Mayo, associate vice president for telecommunications. "Now that students know about wireless, they're requesting more portable devices." Purdue AirLink, the wireless Internet service offered through Information Technology at Purdue, began officially in May 2002, but went campuswide starting in August 2002. Now 90 percent of often-used places on campus have AirLink coverage. Mayo said ITaP is looking to improve growth around the holes on campus, as well as increase access for those ports that are used most. Brad McCoy, network engineer, said he is responding to complaints or suggestions about how AirLink could be improved. "We're finding out how well we did," McCoy said. "We're trying to find out if locations were good and trying to improve signaling in areas." At peak times during the day, McCoy said nearly 500 users are logged on simultaneously. McCoy and Mayo attribute the growth in AirLink usage to freshmen who see wireless Internet as a staple rather than a novelty. "Freshmen are more likely to have a laptop today than two years ago," said Mayo. Mayo said the next step for ITaP is to integrate AirLink into the curriculum. "Faculty are looking at using port devices in class work and how these tools can augment class experiences," he said. "Now that we have it, what can we do with it?" The Purdue department of communication is one of the first departments to incorporate wireless into the classroom. Susan Brockus, who teaches COM 359, "Public Affairs Reporting," uses Tablet PCs and wireless Internet in her class. The project has its problems, she said, but it has potential, especially in reporting and other writing-intensive classes. Students can research, write and submit their assignments in class using the Internet. "I think the wireless network is wonderful when you can get it to work," Brockus said. "You have to be in the right place, but it seems like most of those holes are closing up." Kristen Clark, senior in the School of Liberal Arts and a student in Brockus' class, said the technology has been frustrating at times, but overall it's an asset to the classroom. Mayo said another way the University has integrated wireless Internet into everyday activity is via the E-Stadium outreach, which provides users instant access to football statistics and data. Still, McCoy said that wireless isn't a replacement for hardwire. "It's an alternate, more of a supplement," he said. Printer-friendly version |
|
Front Page | Campus | City | Features | Opinions | Sports | Classifieds Advertising | Archive | Links | About us | Letter Submission Form To report any errors with or to give ideas on how we can improve the online edition of The Exponent contact Online Production |
