Like many schools, Hollis Brookline High School in New Hampshire wanted to improve their internet connectivity. Wiring the entire campus with ethernet cables was both costly and time consuming. Their second choice was a laptop cart, but due to scheduling and other concerns, that too was not a solution.
Instead, administrators decided to take advantage of a free beta test of one of U4EA's systems. What is interesting about this story is the ease with which implementation occurred. First, the school started out slowly, connecting only a few classrooms or laptops at a time, making sure they functioned properly before moving on.
Three unanticipated benefits came from the school's new connectivity. First, the school's existing computer labs were freed up so that teachers were able to use existing hardwired computers in more efficient ways. Reluctant teachers, freed from fiddling with wires and other connectivity issues, became more adventurous in using the new system. Finally, traveling teachers could go from class to class without worrying about connectivity issues.
Now Hollis is looking to complete another piece of its five-year technology plan--improving on its distance education program. Something tells me they're going to do all right.
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