Let's talk about Wi-Fi.

As in title, let's talk about this.

We all need Wi-Fi, but do you have any idea what it is?

Based on Oxford Dictionary, Wi-Fi is "a facility allowing computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area." It was actually originated from the word "wireless" plus an arbitrary second element, after Hi-Fi, which sometimes misunderstood or misinterpret as an abbreviation of Wireless Fidelity.

Last couple weeks I went back to my hometown located at Selangor for Chinese New Year celebration, when I reach home, I found out there is no one playing fire crackers, poker card games or even mahjong, but only focus on their iPhones and iPads, not only the adults, but even the children know how to find a best spot for better Wi-Fi connection. Facebook, Twitter, Whatsaap, Wechat, Candy Crush and Farm Hero Saga, everyone is enjoying their sweet time with Wi-Fi, as it already became part of their life.

Is it no doubt that Wi-Fi had already became the part of our life, as some of the people said, Wi-Fi had became the most significant needs among human, even come before physiological needs.

The Brand New Hierachy of Needs

The Wi-Fi internet of everything is happening now, where it already connecting the internet of everything applications that consumers want today, which included a large variety of Wi-Fi enabled thermostats, light bulbs, home security, monitoring and control system, appliances, automotive products and even wearable devices available today, where this single technology makes all connection seemless. A survey done by Wifi Alliance shows that 91% respondent are more willing to purchase smart products for their house if they can sync everything to their existing Wi-Fi network (Felner, 2014). 

So how Wi-Fi affecting students life, especially focus on college students? Here are some interesting facts I found on the internet done by Wakefield Research back in 2008. Bare in mind that this survey was done before iPads or tablets strike the market or even before smartphones had penetrated more than 50 percent of the population.

“Fully 90% respondent believe that Wi-Fi access is an essential to an education as a classroom or a computer.

Wi-Fi has become so prevalent on college campuses that ABI Research said Wi-Fi penetration should reach 99% of all campuses by 2013.

Colleges worldwide spend about $837 million in 2013 on Wi-Fi access point.

75% of the students who took part in a survey said Wi-Fi access on their college helps them get better grades.

48% of the college students willing to give up their beer before giving up Wi-Fi.

60% of the students surveyed said they will not enter a college that did not offer free Wi-Fi.” (Hamblen, 2008)

By Jimmy Daly, 2013, How Important Is Wi-Fi to a College Education?

The 21st century has become defined by the digital revolution and in a few short years, the digital realm has broken free from the static shackles of the desktop and is now never more than an arm’s reach away. This has redefined how society views and interacts with technology. The only thing that has been lacking is the ability to provide a consistent, high quality connected experience, regardless of environmental factors. 

                              

Thanks to Wi-Fi, this is about to change.

Here is another example on how Wi-Fi change the conventional education system:

iPads for Learning was a major Australian research trial examining the impact iPads have on students’ learning at home and at school, as well as how iPads can benefit and transform teaching practice. 

Over 700 iPads were distributed to students at nine selected schools and the Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute. Students used their iPads with wireless internet access at school, and while at home were able to use their iPads with or without internet access.

The evaluation of the trial showed that these tablets:

·        

1.      increased independent and self-initiated learning among students

2.      increased student motivation and active engagement in learning

3.      improved teachers’ capacity to plan for and meet individual student needs

4.      improved student learning outcomes

5.      extended student's learning beyond the classroom

6.      improved parental engagement in learning and strengthen home-school links.

Specifically with regards to Wi-Fi, the study showed that:

1.      High speed access to online information enables more self-directed learning and rapid access to a fast-growing market of relevant and regularly updated educational apps.

2.      Portability enhances collaboration between students and communication between students and teachers, increases parental engagement in learning and strengthens home-school connections.

3.      Students used the iPad to take greater control of their learning, using a single device to search for information on the internet, practise specific skills with selected apps, create keynotes and multimedia presentations, and present and share their learning with their peers, teachers and family.

References

Felner, K. D. (2014, February 20). The Beacon: Wi-Fi Alliance. Retrieved March 11, 2015, from Five important things to know about the Wi-Fi Internet of everyhting: http://www.wi-fi.org/beacon/kelly-davis-felner/five-important-things-to-know-about-the-wi-fi-internet-of-everything

Hamblen, M. (2008, October 6). Computerworld. Retrieved March 11, 2015, from Wi-Fi helps college students get better grades, survey says: http://www.computerworld.com/article/2533547/mobile-wireless/wi-fi-helps-college-students-get-better-grades--survey-says.html

WiFi in Schools. (n.d.). Wifi in Schools: Because our kids need it. Retrieved March 11, 2015, from Why Wifi is needed in schools: http://wifiinschools.ca/what-our-kids-lose