The Importance of Network Connectivity in School Issued Technology

The Importance of Network Connectivity in School Issued Technology



         Technology is critically important in today's classrooms. Students and teachers are expected to be adept at the use of a myriad of different types of technologies. Technological proficiency prepares students for the career fields of the future. In order to achieve this goal, schools must be adequately equipped with networks that not only fuel technology but also guard against potential threats. Wireless connections and networks are ubiquitous in our world. Schools are no exception. "For complete coverage of a school building, numerous access points will be necessary, and the ability to actively and easily manage these devices should be a consideration. Careful planning should be used when designing, installing, and implementing these network systems" (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 153). Making sure that any device used at school can securely access networks is paramount. "Steps must be taken to ensure that wireless connections are secure and that unauthorized users cannot make use of the connections It is also important to make certain the network access points are carefully placed throughout the building to avoid interference and ensure there are no gaps in the coverage area" (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 153). Student safety is critically important, and schools have a responsibility to protect children while using technology. 

     The Children's Internet Protection Act was passed to help protect minors during internet usage. It applies to classrooms, and schools are expected to adhere to it. "The Children's Internet Protectin ACt (CIPA) requires that schools and teachers must adopt and enforace an internet safety policy, enforce the operation of a technology protection (filter), and hold a public hearing of meeting to propose a technology protection measure and an internet safety policy" (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 125). "In the United States, public schools and libraries that provide youth with access to computers must follow the CIPA requirements to receive state funding, which is a policy that requires the institution to block and filter content that might be harmful to minors" (Kammer, 2024, p. 6). Therefore, student devices must be able to connect to school networks in order to provide the necessary filters. 



     Not only is protecting students from unwanted internet exposure a priority, it is also necessary to protect both student and employee information. Firewalls can offer protection to sensitive, online data. School districts must make sure that they are constantly updating their protective software. In order for this software to work properly, school issued technology must connect to it. Another reason that connectivity is paramount is because expensive technology purchases are more likely to be utilized if they work correctly. "A user who is unable to log onto the network cannot access stored files, use network programs, visit a website, send an email message, or make use of a network printer or other resource. Problems with user accounts could cause a teacher who is already uncomfortable with technology to abandon the network altogether-and forego all the many benefits it can offer" (Frazier & Hearrington, 2024, p. 154). Updated management systems in schools ensure proper functionality of technology and effective network connectivity. It is for the benefit of all users. 



References

Frazuerm N, & Hearrington, D. (2024). The technology coordinator's handbook: A guide

     for edtech facilitators and leaders (fourth edition). International Society for

    Technology in Education.

Kammer, J. (2024). An exploratory study of information access and 1:1 devices. Journal

     of Information Policy, 14, 1-36. https://doi.org/10.5325/jinfopoli.14.2024.0010




 

     

 

Comments

  1. Anchored in EducationApril 3, 2025 at 6:31 PM

    I honestly have had limited background knowledge about school networks until recent years. My only reference would be when our tech coordinator would advise us not to stream to prevent “backing up” the network. That goes to show how much professional development is needed for teachers when it comes to school networks. In recent years, there have been lots of conversations in my school district about keeping the district network secure. Teachers have gone through different types of training to help make choices that keep the network secure from criminals. According to Frazier and Hearrington (2024), it is important for leaders to emphasize the significance of cybersecurity and work with staff to improve culture and practice. Martin et al. (2023) also emphasize the growing urgency of cybersecurity education in schools, especially as cyberattacks on K-12 districts continue to rise.

    -Tanishia Smith

    References

    Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2024). The technology coordinator’s handbook (4th ed.). International Society for Technology in Education.

    Martin, F., Bacak, J., Byker, E. J., Wang, W., Wagner, J., & Ahlgrim-Delzell, L. (2023). Examination of cybersecurity technologies, practices, challenges, and wish list in K-12 school districts. Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice, 2023(1), Article 8. https://doi.org/10.32727/8.2023.9

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