After traveling this holiday, one thing is for sure- the internet is always available for free if you know where to look. Many times it is provided in large scales where you are like an airport or resort. Besides being helpful for the traveler, there is potential for transfer into the educational environment in terms of user ease and accessibility. These large scale deployments offer a lesson- the web can be free and open to many users if done right.
What Could This Look Like?
Imagine a school environment where students could gain web access much like when visiting a coffee shop or airport. I envision a policy which is implicit in the idea that once you join the network on your device you have agreed to the terms and conditions set forth. The model that sparked this post is at
Disney World where guests can access the net from virtually anywhere within the park, hotels etc. If the concept is scalable to this level than surely even a large school could accommodate its users in a reliable, safe manner.
Part Of A Bigger Idea
Free access to the net should not be treated lightly. Curriculum needs to support collaboration and creative activities which do not rely solely on rote memorization of facts easily Googled. Once the devices and concept gets out of the way the true modern learning begins which enables students to utilize tools we as adults use to make our work easier, more relevant and engaging.
Why Isn't This Happening Already?
The answer to this question, in my opinion, has less to do with security than access to information. In a traditional school setting the teacher and system in general is the holder of the information and allowing students to access the web to gain information at will would undermine this control aspect. Additionally, predetermined curriculum and schedules of content rely on metering out the information in parcels controlled by the instructor. Changing this paradigm would require re-tooling the entire experience and day-to-day operations which would be overwhelming for many. Ironically students are using the web in schools just with their own broadband connections. This is a signal that school provided wireless connections are a necessary addition to school infrastructures.
