Costs and effectiveness of wireless LAN in higher education

Wireless solutions allow service providers to quickly deploy high quality data links to deliver Internet services as well as bypassing wireline networks or expanding their existing fibre, cable or DSL plants. Wireless technology, however, not only offers IT service providers an alternative to traditional copper and cable access-loop infrastructures but has a potential to influence users behaviours, including the learning behaviours of higher education students. Swinburne University conducted a pilot project into the use of wireless LAN with a view to exploring its technical and economic feasibility as a means of extending IT infrastructure in a manner that would not be detrimental to learning activities. Students were loaned wireless cards to use with their own computers as well as wireless-equipped laptops. The project allowed wireless-equipped laptop computers to access the Swinburne network, including video-on-demand, and the Internet from the library, cafeterias, coffee lounges and the grounds as well as in some regular learning and teaching facilities. The pilot was evaluated. Evaluation criteria were developed against the Swinburne Flexible Learning and Teaching Strategic Development Plan as well as against technical and economic considerations. The investigation involved observation, questionnaires and focus groups. It involved multivariate analysis. Findings suggested, amongst other things, that students found the facility offered greater flexibility in time and place of study, facilitated group interaction and enhanced motivation. Network difficulties were experienced but few users expressed concern.