According to Pew Trusts, around 18 million people - including many school age students - lack access to high-speed Internet. The digital divide has been a significant issue in the United States for years, but the pandemic made it even more apparent as millions of students were forced to switch to remote learning. For K-12 students who lack access to high-speed Internet and devices, it is challenging to attend classes and complete coursework. As a result, school leaders and technology directors are now looking at private wireless networks as a solution to help bridge the digital divide and provide students with reliable and secure Internet access.
One of the benefits of private wireless networks is that they provide access to students who do not have off-campus Internet access. This can be especially important for schools located in rural areas or low-income neighborhoods where students may not have reliable access to high-speed Internet. With private wireless networks, students can access the Internet from school, enabling them to complete assignments, participate in online discussions, and access educational resources.
Private wireless networks also offer better network reliability and performance compared to traditional WiFi networks, which can be unreliable - especially in areas with high demand, such as schools with a large number of students and devices. Private wireless networks, on the other hand, are designed to handle large numbers of devices and users simultaneously. They also offer superior coverage and speed, which can help prevent interruptions and ensure that students have a smooth online learning experience.
Another advantage of private wireless networks is the level of control they provide over devices and users who have access to the network. With a private wireless network, schools can manage who can connect to the Internet and what they can access. This can be especially important for younger students, who need to be protected from inappropriate content. Schools can use content filtering tools to block certain websites or limit access to specific applications or services. This level of control can help ensure that students are using the Internet in a safe and responsible manner.
Private wireless networks also offer carrier-grade security, which is essential for protecting students from cyber threats. With private wireless networks, schools can implement advanced security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and prevention systems, which can help prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive data. Private wireless networks also encrypt all data transmitted over the network, ensuring that student and school data is protected from prying eyes.
K-12 leaders are starting to think about the future of education and how technology will play a critical role in shaping it. According to a recent Forbes article, "14 Predictions for the Future of Classroom Technology," the use of technology in education will continue to grow. Schools will need to provide students with the tools and resources they need to learn in a digital environment. From video lectures and immersive mixed-reality experiences to predictive analytics and even the latest AI tools, private wireless networks can help schools prepare for the future and ensure that students have access to reliable and secure Internet access as the technology landscape continues to change.
Kajeet is a leader in private wireless networks for education institutions. As a managed provider of wireless solutions for education for 20 years, Kajeet has extensive experience in designing, building, and managing private wireless networks for schools and universities. Kajeet has a team of experts who can assess the specific needs of K-12 education and develop a customized solution to meet your school or district’s strategic goals. Additionally, its network of equipment partners can help scale any size district or campus project, ensuring access to the best technology and resources to support private networks.
To learn more, visit: Kajeet Private Networks or read our Kajeet Private Wireless Networks for Education Guidebook.