I don't think it's an instructor issue or a technical issue. It's a student issue. Some students will use wifi to goof off in class. Some will use it to help them take better notes or in other ways to help them do better. Others won't use it all. The point here is that it's a tool; perhaps a tool in immature hands, but a tool nonetheless.
I remember my last year of school I managed to acquire a Windows 3.1 laptop for free that the prior owner had written off as broken. I used it to take notes some, but used in class a lot more to play solitaire. I'm unapologetic for this, because playing solitaire in class helped me to do better. No instructor can engage 100% of students 100% of the time, and having the ready distraction available to keep my mind active helped prevent me from zoning out entirely. I'm sure that at times it distracted more than it helped, but my feeling was that overall it ended in a big net positive and probably bought me almost a full letter grade in every class where I was able to use it. Joel Coehoorn IT Director, York College 402.363.5603 On Fri, Nov 19, 2010 at 5:50 PM, Brooks, Stan <stan.bro...@emory.edu> wrote: > And if you offer guest access, that is another end run that students will > find and use. We prefer to keep the students authenticated and using an > encrypted connection as a matter of general security - anyone heard of > Firesheep? > > Addressing this issue with technology really is a losing proposition. > Students will find ways around any method we use to limit there access. > In my day, it was the comic or other book inside the textbook, passing > notes, or skipping class. Today it's the Internet, Facebook, IM, and > texting. It really needs to be addressed in the classroom by the > instructors and the students. > > On a lighter note, I have this Doonesbury cartoon on my cube wall to remind > me of what the students are really doing with Wi-Fi (or 3/4G) access. > > http://www.gocomics.com/doonesbury/2008/04/27 > > There was an HP laptop TV ad from about the same time that highlighted this > issue as well (motocross bikes and rock bands in the lecture hall), but I've > not been able to find it online. If anyone remembers it and has a link, > please share! > > >>-> Stan Brooks - CWNA/CWSP > Emory University > University Technology Services > 404.727.0226 > AIM/Y!/Twitter: WLANstan > MSN: wlans...@hotmail.com > GoogleTalk: wlans...@gmail.com > ------------------------------ > *From:* The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [ > wireless-...@listserv.educause.edu] on behalf of John Rodkey [ > rod...@westmont.edu] > *Sent:* Friday, November 19, 2010 4:20 PM > > *To:* WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU > *Subject:* Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] WiFi blockers in classrooms > > And the law of unintended consequences strikes again: Students figure > this out and exchange credentials with those who aren't supposed to be in > class at the time. > End result: not only do you have student using the network, but you've now > compromised the passwords of any number of students. > > On Fri, Nov 19, 2010 at 8:50 AM, Methven, Peter J <p.j.meth...@hw.ac.uk>wrote: > >> Greg, your suggestion makes sense in many ways especially as those >> students should be in the class! If they are not in class their “punishment” >> is no internet on campus... I would have a concern about what happens when a >> class location is moved (room or time), or a student changes >> class/module/course midterm whether this information is fed back correctly >> and in a timely manner. However this would be easy to implement as long as >> the student records systems had accurate information. (Which of course they >> always do ;-) ) >> >> >> >> Many Thanks >> Peter >> >> >> >> Mr Peter Methven, Network Specialist >> >> Information Technology (IT) >> >> Allen McTernan Building, Edinburgh Campus >> >> Tel: 0131 451 3516 >> >> >> >> For IT support queries or requests, please email ith...@hw.ac.uk or phone >> ext 4045, with full details of your query or request and your contact >> details. >> >> >> >> http://www.hw.ac.uk/it >> >> >> >> >> >> *From:* The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto: >> wireless-...@listserv.educause.edu] *On Behalf Of *Greg Schaffer >> *Sent:* 19 November 2010 16:35 >> >> *To:* WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU >> *Subject:* Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] WiFi blockers in classrooms >> >> >> >> David, >> that's an interesting perspective. I have had the opposite experience >> when I have taught. Now, I should say that I am in IT and taught as an >> adjunct one intro networking class to 25-35 students. At the beginning of >> the first class I told them that I am not going to regulate use of >> electronic devices in class; if they wanted to watch videos all during the >> class that was their decision *so long as it did not interfere with the >> class or other students*. I also made it clear that they were responsible >> for all work in class and not paying attention in class was not a valid >> reason for extra attention during office hours. It worked well, but it >> might have been a function of the smaller class size. Tinkering on a device >> did not relieve you from being called on, and class participation was part >> of he grade. >> >> Having said that, I never had anyone complain of another's laptop use >> bothering them; if I had I would have adjusted. Actually, I only had a few >> using laptops, and often they would use it to research class topics as I was >> talking. >> >> Bottom line, in my experience (limited), letting students decide worked >> the best. But I can certainly see the other side. >> >> Finally, with regards to WiFi blocking, I don't think the simplest >> solution has been offered yet. If the wireless is accessed via credentials, >> create an LDAP/AD/Radius interface that can disable those accounts during a >> specified class time, or on command from the instructor. Can it be done? I >> don't see why not, but I may be missing something(s)... >> >> Greg >> >> As a side note, authentication >> >> On Fri, Nov 19, 2010 at 10:02 AM, David J Molta <djmo...@syr.edu> wrote: >> >> As a faculty member who also closely follows developments in the wireless >> industry, I thought I would share my perspective. >> >> I teach an intro networking course to 120 students per semester. I try to >> "edutain" whenever possible but it is impossible for me to compete with >> the >> Internet for the attention of most students. Network guys/gals need to >> understand this. If you think you can command the attention of 120 >> students >> staring at laptops and smartphones in class, give me a call and I will >> hire >> you. >> >> I also know enough about wireless to know that dealing with this problem >> at >> the physical layer is probably not practical, for many reasons -- >> financial, >> technical, and behavioral. If there is any hope for a technical solution, >> I >> could envision a system that ties together class rosters, authentication, >> and location services. But even with that, you don't have any control over >> commercial wireless services. >> >> My current policy is no laptops or smartphones in class. I give students a >> 10-minute grace period at the start of class for urgent communication. >> Some >> students complain about this policy but the majority understand why I do >> this and feel it helps them focus on course content. The most valid >> complaint comes from students who take notes in class on their computer. >> I'm >> somewhat sympathetic to that, but if you've ever sat next to someone in a >> meeting who is taking notes on a laptop, you know that the keyboard >> clatter >> is distracting, sometimes infuriating. I encourage students to take notes >> by >> hand or record the lectures for later transcription, which helps with >> retention of course content. >> >> In my wireless course, which only has about 25-30 students, I have been >> more >> hesitant to implement a no-tolerance policy, but even there, I think the >> only way I could get away with that is to change my presentation style so >> that I spend more time in the back of the room checking screens and >> scolding >> abusers. >> >> Alas, one wonders whether there is a solution that will be acceptable to >> all. Last semester, our Dean implemented a no-laptop policy for faculty >> meetings, offering to reduce the meeting time by 30 minutes as an >> incentive. >> Before this policy, it was a very strange experience, with over half of >> the >> faculty attendees working away at their computers while we were supposed >> to >> be deliberating about important issues. The policy seemed to be working >> pretty well until the iPad was released. Now we have faculty coming to the >> meeting with iPads. It's not a laptop, right? >> >> dm >> >> Dave Molta >> Associate Professor >> Director, BS in Information Management and Technology >> Assistant Dean for Technology >> Syracuse University School of Information Studies >> 212 Hinds Hall >> Syracuse, NY 13244 >> 315-443-4549 >> djmo...@syr.edu >> >> >> >> >> >> On 11/19/10 10:30 AM, "Hanset, Philippe C" <phan...@utk.edu> wrote: >> >> Luis, >> >> Cellular networks (usually licensed spectrum) are not under the same >> regulations as Wi-Fi (usually unlicensed spectrum). >> In the US, for instance, one cannot interfere with the licensed spectrum >> (jammers etc...), and when it comes to the unlicensed spectrum (e.g. Wi-Fi), >> you have to comply with Part15 of the FCC. >> >> Can you interfere with cellular networks in Nicaragua or Costa Rica? (I >> would double check...otherwise students will remind you!) >> >> The point I want to make with Cellular access (Macro towers, DAS, etc..), >> is that students that cannot join the Wi-Fi network >> in classrooms will find other wireless technologies to get access >> (Smartphones, tethering laptops, air-cards.... or just a book, but not the >> textbook!). >> >> So, students that can afford cellular-data access can still be distracted. >> This could be an interesting research. >> The hypothesis would be "Is it about who you know or what you know" or >> TextBook VS FaceBook ;-) >> >> Philippe >> Univ. of TN >> >> On Nov 19, 2010, at 9:45 AM, Luis Fernando Valverde wrote: >> >> Yes, we do. The idea is to block any source of wireless connection to >> the WiFi network. >> lf >> >> *From:* The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [ >> mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU<WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU>] >> *On Behalf Of *Hanset, Philippe C >> *Sent:* Jueves, 18 de Noviembre de 2010 07:42 p.m. >> *To:* WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU >> *Subject:* Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] WiFi blockers in classrooms >> >> And do you plan to block air-cards on cellular as well with that jammer? >> >> Philippe >> Univ. of TN >> >> On Nov 18, 2010, at 4:06 PM, Luis Fernando Valverde wrote: >> >> >> I understand your points of view and I agree with some of your comments. >> However, we use our classrooms for multiple academic activities (MBA >> programs, seminar and in-company events), and we need to find a simple >> device to block the signal in a 10-20 meters radius / classroom. So, the >> adjacent classrooms can work with the signal of their own access points >> (some professors require Internet signal to teach their sessions – internet >> dynamics, simulations over the internet, cloud computing services, etc.). >> >> I have heard that this is implemented in some universities in the USA, >> Europe and Asia (for instance, I was told that in the Indian School of >> Bussiness’ classrooms there are switches to enable/disable wireless signals. >> I emailed them, but I haven’t received answer yet). >> >> Luis Fernando >> >> *From:* The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [ >> mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU<WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU>] >> *On Behalf Of *Greg Schaffer >> *Sent:* Jueves, 18 de Noviembre de 2010 03:00 p.m. >> *To:* WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU >> *Subject:* Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] WiFi blockers in classrooms >> >> They also use cloud document management such as Google docs and would need >> the connectivity if storing notes out there. Instructors need to manage the >> classroom, not take tools away, IMO. >> >> Greg >> >> On Thu, Nov 18, 2010 at 2:52 PM, Methven, Peter J <p.j.meth...@hw.ac.uk> >> wrote: >> If you have some lead laying around, you could line the rooms and turn the >> APs off during lecture times... But as other respondents have said it's not >> really a technology issue, you design your WIFI for full coverage for a >> reason. >> Students use laptops to take notes like we all used to use notepads. >> Similar to using notepads to draw on when bored in a lecture or write notes, >> our current students use their laptops to use facebook etc. The issue >> lecturers should look at is why their students are so bored in their >> lectures that they are losing interest! >> >> Many Thanks >> Peter >> >> Peter Methven >> Network Specialist >> Heriot-Watt University >> Edinburgh >> Scotland >> EH14 4AS >> (+44)0 131 4513516 >> >> This email has been sent from a mobile phone, please excuse any creative >> spelling or grammar that may have occured! >> >> On 18 Nov 2010, at 20:35, "Russ Leathe" <russ.lea...@gordon.edu> wrote: >> >> >> We can push out different SSID’s with ACL’s that limit what an >> authenticated user can access. >> >> However, our AP heatmap shows leakage from AP’s above and below the floors >> where the classroom are. >> >> So, in a nutshell, it wasn’t worth it (blocking that is). Especially true >> once you incorporate emergency notification via 802.11x. >> >> I would agree with other colleagues comments, it’s an >> academic/classroom/Professor issue. >> >> Northeastern, I believe, did not roll out 802.11x in the classrooms, >> because the Professors did not want it. >> The idea behind this decision was “you don’t need wifi to take notes”. >> >> I hope this is helpful, >> >> Russ >> >> >> >> >> *From:* The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto: >> wireless-...@listserv.educause.edu] *On Behalf Of *Luis Fernando Valverde >> *Sent:* Thursday, November 18, 2010 2:31 PM >> *To:* WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU >> *Subject:* [WIRELESS-LAN] WiFi blockers in classrooms >> >> Hello, >> >> Has anybody used jammer WiFi blockers to block to block wireless network >> access in classrooms in order to help students to concentrate on course >> instruction? I would like to know which blockers are being used with >> success to do this? Can somebody tell me which is the best and cheaper >> solution (something so easy as turn a switch on/off)? >> >> Thanks, >> Luis Fernando >> >> >> ----------------------------------------------------------- >> Luis Fernando Valverde >> Director de Tecnología de Información >> INCAE Business School >> Tel: +506 24 37 2338 >> Fax: +506 24 33 9101 >> >> fernando.valve...@incae.edu >> <mailto:fernando.valve...@incae.edu<fernando.valve...@incae.edu>> >> >> www.incae.edu <http://www.incae.edu/> >> >> ----------------------------------------------------------- >> Error! Filename not specified.* *"El medio ambiente es del interés de >> todos. Evitemos imprimir correos innecesarios." >> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE >> Constituent Group discussion list can be found at >> http://www.educause.edu/groups/. >> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE >> Constituent Group discussion list can be found at >> http://www.educause.edu/groups/. >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Heriot-Watt University is a Scottish charity registered under charity >> number SC000278. >> >> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE >> Constituent Group discussion list can be found at >> http://www.educause.edu/groups/. >> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE >> Constituent Group discussion list can be found at >> http://www.educause.edu/groups/. >> >> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE >> Constituent Group discussion list can be found at >> http://www.educause.edu/groups/. >> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE >> Constituent Group discussion list can be found at >> http://www.educause.edu/groups/. >> >> >> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE >> Constituent Group discussion list can be found at >> http://www.educause.edu/groups/. >> >> ********** Participation and subscription information for this >> EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at >> http://www.educause.edu/groups/. >> >> >> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE >> Constituent Group discussion list can be found at >> http://www.educause.edu/groups/. >> >> ------------------------------ >> Heriot-Watt University is a Scottish charity registered under charity >> number SC000278. >> ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE >> Constituent Group discussion list can be found at >> http://www.educause.edu/groups/. >> >> > ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE > Constituent Group discussion list can be found at > http://www.educause.edu/groups/. > > > ------------------------------ > > This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of > the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged > information. If the reader of this message is not the intended > recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution > or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly > prohibited. > > If you have received this message in error, please contact > the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the > original message (including attachments). > ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE > Constituent Group discussion list can be found at > http://www.educause.edu/groups/. > > ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
