Can Schools Increase Internet Connectivity?

  • By Chad Stevens
  • 12/01/15

Thanks to e-rate, 99 percent of our public K-12 schools and libraries are now connected to the Internet. The next step is bringing connectivity to the classroom level to support modern learning.

The majority of U.S. schools do not have enough bandwidth to meet the current needs for digital learning. As 1:1 learning models, online classes and digital content proliferate, the technology foundation needed to support them will become more critical. “Network days” may become the new “snow days” for the next generation of students. When networks fail, learning is disrupted, resulting in lost classroom time.

We recently surveyed K-12 IT professionals to get a better understanding of classroom connectivity and build the K-12 Connected Heat Map, showing the prevalence of wired and wireless connectivity state-by-state.

Enabling classroom connectivity is an involved process. Security is a critical requirement. A next-generation firewall serves as a first line of defense, providing application control and a consolidated filtering approach. Web URL filtering allows schools to enforce security policies. It also allows educators to have safe access to the applications needed to improve student outcomes.

Behind the firewall, the router manages the school’s bandwidth, Internet service provider and type of Internet connection. The core switch acts as the brains of the operation — serving as the internal routing function and handling traffic passing between the user access network and everything else.

Access points sit in the classroom to handle data; as the number of classroom devices grows, so should the number of access points. Finally, managed services can layer on top of the network to ensure a load-balanced classroom, allowing for ubiquitous access to the Internet.

These cohesive network components provide a solid infrastructure that helps schools avoid “network days”.

Visit www.k12heatmap.com to check out your state’s K-12 connectivity.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

About the Author

Dr. Chad Stevens is the Chief Education Strategist with CDW-G.

Featured

  • Beeville ISD Starts Construction on New Elementary School

    The Beeville Independent School District near Corpus Christi, Texas, recently began a construction project that will consolidate two existing, aging schools into a new elementary school, according to a news release. The district is partnering with Pfluger Architects and Spawglass General Contractors for the design and construction, respectively, of the new facility.

  • bar graph with the bars made out of abstract cinder blocks and other construction materials

    Spaces4Learning 2025 Trends in K–12: Materials & Construction

    With 2025 well underway, it’s time to take a look at some broader trends submitted by you, our Spaces4Learning readership. We asked for your thoughts on topics like classroom design, health & safety, materials & construction, and technology in both K–12 and higher-education environments. Below is a roundup of 2025 trends in K–12 materials and construction from the experts in the trenches.

  • University of Kentucky Integrates New Cleaning Technology

    The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., recently installed a new cleaning system designed to improve cooling efficiency on campus, according to a news release. The Facilities Management’s Utilities and Energy Management Unit installed new chiller tubes into two of the chillers at the university’s Central Utility Plant.

  • California High School Debuts $35M Performing Arts Center

    Irvine High School in Irvine, Calif., recently opened its new Performing Arts Center built in partnership with C.W. Driver Companies, according to a news release. The facility cost $35 million and covers about 25,000 square feet.