Telematic Research An Evaluation of Wireless Local Area Networks in Distributed Education

Gary Brown
Florida State School System, USA
and Steve Wheeler
University of Plymouth, UK

Paper to be presented at the Telecon East Conference, Washington D.C., USA, April 2001

Distributed education is a term referring to flexible and location independent course delivery. It covers a range of provision including campus based learning, distance education, work based and home based learning. Distributed education provision is currently being driven by a new generation of technologies. The convergent action of technologies is facilitated by telecommunications, in either cabled or wireless format. Wireless local area networks (WLAN) are one cost-effective method of connecting students to their teachers and a vast wealth of learning resources via the Internet. The benefits of the application of WLAN to both mainstream and distributed education can be measured in terms of increased access, enhanced quality of provision, cost reduction and improved grades. However, there are also disadvantages and even potential health risks associated with this flexible telecommunications method. This paper explores the risks and benefits of wireless local area networks in elementary education in school systems in the US and UK. It builds on the research findings from the Federal Communications Commission, the World Health Organisation and a number of other statutory bodies, and balances these against the potential benefits to the learner. The paper discusses the implications for health, learning and organisation and concludes by offering clear guidelines for the future deployment of WLAN for the successful promotion of distributed learning.

A copy of the full paper can be obtained on request from the author