Week 8: Wireless Technologies in the Classroom

There are many benefits to utilizing wireless technology in the classroom and it can be used to enhance the learning environment in many ways. There are three major networking tools one can use in school. They are below.
"Access points: These devices connect the wireless network to the wired network. They have a standard 10-base-T connector and IP routing capabilities. They also control access to the network and load bearing of all access points on the network. Some are programmed to supply seamless roaming.
Station Adapters: These devices connect desktop computers to the access points via wireless communication. Station adapters connect to the computer using a 10-base-T connection, which means it is necessary for the computer to have a network card. Station adapters connect to either one or four depending on the version of the device purchased.
PCMCIA Adapter: These devices connect laptops and any other PCMCIA Type 2 compatible devices to the access point. This device is connected to the computer sing a PCMCIA Type 2 connection, which is standard on current laptop computers and can be an accessory for some palmtops. PCMCIA adapters are usable with only one computer."
The information above was found at: http://dmit.asu.edu/r&d/wireless/wireless.html. The use of these networks requires very little instruction and many find it easy to use and set up. With the ease of use and the strict safety guidelines that are already integrated in the networks because they originated in military areas. Because of that, schools find that the comfort level is already there so they can feel better when utilizing these tools each day.