We see this as a security issue. That is, if we disable 802.11x in the
classroom (and most classrooms have no cell coverage), and we need to alert
the campus (via SMS or e-mail), then
From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv
[mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Barber, Matt
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2011 8:38 AM
To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU
Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] selectively disabling wireless in classrooms
Hi Jim,
I also get this question/request a couple times a year. I flat-out refuse to do
it. There are so many issues (coverage of other spaces, the students have
cellular connectivity too, managing the changes, etc.) but those play a very
small part in us not doing it.
We simply don't do it on principle. I don't feel that it is our responsibility
to help manage the attention of the students in the classroom. Luckily I have
support from the appropriate people on campus for that stance.
I will say that very few faculty members have asked overall. Most of our
faculty are happy to include online video, Blackboard, and now iPads in their
instruction.
Good luck!
Matt Barber
Network and Systems Manager
Morrisville State College
315-684-6053
From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv
[mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Gogan, James P
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2011 8:22 AM
To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU
Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] selectively disabling wireless in classrooms
Well, it's that time of year again
the time when we get calls from a handful of faculty who want the ability to
disable the wireless access point that covers their classroom during specific
class periods (they also want cellular coverage disabled during those times --
yeah, right ..).When I point out that the AP that covers their
classroom may also provide coverage for the one next door, or that with a
controller-based architecture, shutting off one access point would likely just
increase the signal coverage area of adjacent APs, the response I usually get
back is well, I KNOW that other universities are doing it, so FIX IT.
So, let me ask my biennial question: what ARE other universities doing in this
regard?I was specifically given U of Michigan as an example.Anyone know
what they're doing? Any successful implementation details from anyone
dealing with this issue are welcome.And yes, I am biting my tongue to not
say teach more engagingly.
Thanks in advance!
-- Jim Gogan / Univ of North Carolina
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** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE
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Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group
discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.