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Highlights
of the Wireless LAN Pilot Scheme
By
Joe Lee
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A wireless LAN (WLAN)
is a flexible data communication system implemented as an extension
to, or as an alternative for, a wired LAN within a building. Using
radio frequency technology, WLAN receives and transmits data over
the air, minimising the need for wired connections. As WLAN has
gained great popularity in a number of industries in the last
several years, it seems that the technology can also be used in
education. A WLAN pilot scheme was carried out during Semester
B 1998/99 to test the effectiveness of the set up and to look
into various issues related to the use of this new technology
in teaching and learning environment.
There were two schemes for testing
the WLAN facilities. One scheme was for teaching only, meaning
that only the lecturer were using the WLAN to perform normal teaching
using presentation software (such as MS PowerPoint) and the Internet.
Altogether, 21 volunteers from 13 departments/divisions participated
in this scheme. The other scheme allowed classes to be conducted
in the form of workshop/tutorial using the WLAN facilities. Two
departments, IS and CS, joined this scheme. The IS class taught
on the subject of Virtual Work which was about the use of computing
and telecommunication technology for working at different places.
The 31 IS students worked on exercises which required them to
work together from different locations and use bulletin boards
for class discussion, and much more. The CS class taught about
Data and Knowledge Reengineering in which 30 groups (each with
4 students) used the notebook computers to do their projects.
They got access to different databases through the WLAN in the
classrooms as well as in the CS Lab. In April, an EN tutorial
group of 5 students also joined the scheme.
All project participants were given
a notebook computer and a WLAN antenna to start with. They were
requested to fill out an evaluation sheet and return it together
with the notebook to us by the end of May. Lecturers were also
required to log down the usage activities for reference. To show
just how successful the pilot scheme was, here are the precious
comments collected from the participants (both lecturers and students):
Comments from Lecturers
On WLAN, notebook computer and video
projector:
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The WLAN was reliable,
convenient, and the speed was fast.
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When comparing with
the hardwired networking environment, no significant difference
in speed and reliability was detected but WLAN was more convenient
and flexible.
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The WLAN facility
should be implemented across the whole campus, including the
library, student working areas, staff offices, classrooms, conference
rooms, etc.
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The notebook computers
were reliable, easy to use and battery life was long enough,
but portability was less than satisfactory (too heavy).
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The support and
maintenance provided by CSC was good, helpful, prompt and responsible.
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Sometimes encountered
video projector and socket problems.
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Suggest all lecturers
be given this facility; or offered discount to help them purchase
the equipment for teaching; or allowing each department to keep
several notebook computers in stock.
On teaching and learning:
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The facility can
support problem (or task)-based learning activities.
-
WLAN has two distinct
advantages: mobility and ad-hoc networking.
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No doubt that WLAN
is suitable and good for teaching.
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WLAN improves quality
of teaching.
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Students can practise
and apply skills in producing quality presentation support materials.
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Students can pre-test
their presentation in the notebook beforehand and use the notebook
for presentation.
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WLAN has enabled
lecturers and students to pursue a very different and better
form of learning.
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WLAN allows excellent
flexibility of access to a wider range of materials (Internet,
etc.)
Comments from Students
On WLAN, notebook computer and video
projector:
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WLAN was reliable,
convenient, and the speed was fast.
-
As compared to the
hardwired networking environment, WLAN was more convenient and
flexible but less reliable.
-
WLAN facility should
be implemented across the whole campus, including the library,
student working areas, canteen, labs, lecturer theatres, podium,
etc.
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The notebook computers
were reliable, easy to use, but battery life was not long enough
and portability was less than satisfactory (too heavy).
-
The notebook computers
required a reliable, safe location to store when not in use.
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Recommended to place
the notebook computers in CSC at the end of the day instead
of taking them home.
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WLAN signal was
weak. Sometimes it could not be connected even in some areas
inside the dedicated classroom, but overall performance was
good.
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Some devices (for
example, the antenna) were fragile.
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CSC support staff
were nice, approachable and helpful.
On teaching and learning:
- Students can choose the place to
work in.
- The notebook computers are more
useful on campus than at home.
- The course should provide more chance
for using the notebook computer.
- With WLAN, students can connect
to the Internet very easily and conveniently.
Conclusion
Needless to say, the WLAN pilot scheme
had been a success though there were minor problems with the equipment.
Providing the facility in those classrooms without computing resources
was well received by both lecturers and students. They found the
WLAN reliable, convenient, flexible and fast. WLAN shed light
for new style of teaching and learning. The concept of virtual
organisation, virtual work and so on can be grasped through the
use of WLAN. In fact, WLAN has great potential for various kinds
of applications if courses can be designed to cope with the technology.
WLAN also extends the work place from traditional classrooms and
labs to individual workable areas on campus. Staff and students
can select their most desirable places to work in. However, if
the technology is to be further extended to more rooms, extra
funding is required. A report on the findings has already been
passed to the Information Services Advisory Committee (ISAC) and
a request for fund has been submitted to the Management awaiting
approval. With sufficient funds on hand, the entire campus will
be able to enjoy the benefits of wireless network computing the
way that the scheme participants did.
In the meantime, the facility will
be available again this year in the 18 classrooms on 5th Floor.
All these rooms are equipped with WLAN and big screen projector.
If you will teach in any of these classrooms in Semester A and
would like to use the WLAN for computer presentation or demonstration,
you may borrow a notebook computer and the WLAN accessories from
the CSC. Since stocks are limited, it is strongly advised that
these bookings should be made as soon as possible. For further
information, please contact Mr. Joe Lee on ext. 8276.
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