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 ********** 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/.
