NCEF Resource List: Wired and Wireless Networks in Schools
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WIRED AND WIRELESS NETWORKS IN SCHOOLS

Information on wired and wireless communications networks in K-12 schools, including standards, design, security, testing, performance, interoperability, and future adaptability.


References to Books and Other Media

Wireless School: Confused Yet?
(District Administration, Dec 06, 2011)
Web seminar covers key decisions and requirements for planning for pervasive wireless in schools; setting goals and deliverables around educational initiatives like digital curriculum, online testing, 1:1 programs and BYOD initiatives; and performance planning and capacity planning for K-12 implementations.

From Zero to Wireless in 4 Essential Steps.
Schaffhauser, Dian
T.H.E. Journal; v38 n2 , p14-16 ; Feb 2011
The way to building a wireless network that's reliable, scalable, and secure enough to support a robust mobile-learning initiative demands taking care of four imperative steps: (1) Get Physical; (2) Separate and Unequal; (3) Mind Your APs; and (4) Speed It Up.

Choosing School Control Panel Features: Simple as A, B, C.
Kessinger, Greg
(SecurityInfoWatch.com, Alpharetta, GA , Jul 2010)
Examines fire alarm technology at two typical schools. The first is a single-story elementary school, the second a college branch campus with three buildings. Wireless technology, networked panels, and the differences between a single- and multiple-building campuses are addressed. 4p.

References to Journal Articles

Making Wi-Fi Work
Beitenhaus, Christine
School Planning and Management; , p28-30 ; Feb 2012
Whether computers are in a lab, in the classroom or in students' hands, districts are turning to wireless networks to help integrate technology into education. With this decision comes the need not only for the right equipment and space, but also concerns about bandwidth and security issues, as well as making sure a diverse team helps make decisions in new and retrofit situations.

Center Stage. The Latest in Scoreboards and Sports Lighting.
Vence, Deborah L.
Recreation Management; Oct 2011
Discusses wireless and LED technology taking the scoreboard industry by storm, and the latest trends in sports lighting. Includes key steps to selecting a scoreboard.

Wire or Wireless, Staying connected.
Rivero, Victor
College Planning and Management; v14 n7 , p54,56,58,59 ; Jul 2011

Creating a Smart Classroom from Scratch.
McCrea, Bridget
Campus Technology; May 2011
Describes new classrooms set up at South College in Knoxville, Tennessee, with new technology equipment, tools and software, including secure wireless Internet access, lecture capture software, videoconferencing tools, and sensor pads.

Clicks and Bricks: How School Buildings Influence Future Practice and Technology Adoption. Adobe PDF
McIntosh, Ewan
Educational Facility Planner; v45 n1/2 , p33-37 ; 2011
Describes six specialized school spaces that encourage digital learning and customized learning. These are secret, group, publishing, performing, participation and watching spaces.

Making Your School Future-Proof.
Dessoff, Alan
District Administration; v46 n9 , p64-67,69-71 ; Oct 2010
Discusses the installation of flexible and upgradable technology in schools. Wireless connectivity is essential, as are adequate recharging stations, ability to serve a computer for every student, energy-efficient facilities that can deliver power without extraordinary additional costs, interactive whiteboards, and cloud-computing solutions.

Energy-Harvesting Sensors Power Building Controls to New Levels of Sustainability.
Martin, Graham
American School and Hospital Facility; v33 n4 , p6,8,9 ; Jul-Aug 2010
Describes the function of self-powered wireless sensors in the control of building systems, noting their ability to be placed conveniently for building occupants and their benefits to lowering energy use.

Critical Communications.
School Planning and Management; v49 n6 , p32,34,36 ; Jun 2010
Discusses classroom-to-administration communication systems that will be effective in a variety of emergencies. Intercom systems are preferred over telephones, as they are louder and more quickly activated, including by students who might need to take over for an incapacitated teacher. Networking of intercom systems for district-wide communication is described, as is distribution to wireless devices.

Wireless CMMS: Next-Generation Tool.
Bagadia, Kris
Maintenance Solutions; v18 n3 , p9,10 ; Mar 2010
Discusses the advantages of wireless computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), with particular attention to implementation in a facility where technicians might resist the technology. The total cost of ownership, use of the keyboard, and connectivity is also addressed.

Imagining All of Campus as a Learning Environment.
Lane, Cara
EduCause Quarterly; v33 n3 ; 2010
Key findings of this research project are that although most students own laptops and mobile devices, use of student computing centers at the University of Washington continues to be high; embracing wireless and mobile learning requires imagining all of campus as a learning environment; for the most complete service, consider pursuing a hybrid approach — offering computing centers and support for wireless and mobile learning across campus.

Door Hardware Goes Hi-Tech.
Westerkamp, Thomas
Maintenance Solutions; v17 n12 , p8,9 ; Dec 2009
Reviews the current generation of door hardware technology, with a variety of computerized features that are now largely available in a wireless mode. Advice on training front-line technicians is included.

Now More Than Ever!
Bagadia, Kris
American School and Hospital Facility; v32 n6 , p18,20,21 ; Nov-Dec 2009
Reviews historical problems with paper-based building maintenance management, and then describes the benefits of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). The abilities of handheld devices, the software applications that use the information they gather, wireless communication, and advice on selecting a system are addressed.

Designing Collaborative Learning Spaces Where Material Culture Meets Mobile Writing Processes. Adobe PDF
Bemer, Amanda; Moeller, Ryan; Ball, Cheryl
Programmatic Perspectives; v1 , p139-166 ; Sep 2009
Discusses how a combination of movable furniture and mobile technology, including wireless access and laptops, can enhance student collaboration in group-based writing assignments. The lab included both desktop and laptop seating areas, so the authors created a modified worksite analysis designed to evaluate team collaboration in this new layout. These material changes in the lab allow students to configure the space according to their needs, offering them some measure of control over three crucial elements of successful collaboration: formality, presence, and confidentiality. Includes 31 references.

Cut the Wires, Cut the Cost. [Wireless BAS Systems Grow Up.]
Thompson, Josh
Building Operating Management; v56 n8 , p31,32,34 ; Aug 2009
Discusses the advantages of wireless building automation systems, which avoid the disruption and expense of cabling, conduit, or other infrastructures. Both proprietary and more open standards- based systems are discussed, as is battery life, the reluctance of IT staff to open their networks to additional wireless access, and system security.

Improving Wireless Coverage.
Wiens, Janet
College Planning and Management; v12 n8 , p34,35 ; Aug 2009
Discusses means of improving wireless penetration at higher education institutions. Digital antenna systems (DAS) are described, including their hub, remote antenna units, and cabling. These systems can target select areas where coverage needs to be boosted. Advice on selecting a multi-carrier solution is included.

CMMS: Going Mobile.
Bagadia, Kris; Kossik, Ronald
Maintenance Solutions; v17 n7 , p16,17 ; Jul 2009
Reviews the use of wireless devices in facilities management that can hold more data, create electronic forms, produce reports, access the Internet, and synchronize with other hardware. Advice on selection of wireless devices covers screen size, memory, durability, keyboard, wi-fi ability, real time versus synchronized transmission, capacity, CAD and code table support, operating systems, and costs.

Future Projection.
Villano, Matt
Campus Technology; v22 n1 , p18-20,22 ; Jul 2009
Discusses five current trends in digital projectors: 1) wireless, 2) better light and color, 3) remote monitoring and maintenance, 4) better lens shift, 5) and improved mountability.

It's All about Flex-Ability.
Grush, Mary
Campus Technology; v22 n10 , p31,32,34,36 ; Jun 2009
Profiles Santa Clara University's Harrington Learning Commons, Sobrato Technology Center, and Orradre Library. This single building provides complete wireless coverage, traditional and flexible furnishings, abundant power access, and a variety of private and collaborative learning spaces.

Case Study: Diablo Valley College Goes Wireless to Integrate with Network Security.
Vigue, Beverly
Doors and Hardware; v73 n2 , p20-22 ; Feb 2009
Profiles this institution's use of wireless locks to retrofit an older building for increased access control. Proximity card access and a key override are featured.

Off the Shelf: High-Tech Library ushers in the Digital Age at University of Nevada. Adobe PDF
Alfonso, Alex
School Construction News; v12 n1 , p16-18 ; Jan-Feb 2009
Profiles the new library at the University of Nevada, featuring an advanced automated book retrieval and reshelving system that adapts to the frequency of use, study rooms with plasma screens, wireless network, a cafe, and daylighting.


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Notice

Due to lack of funding, the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities is currently available only as an archived site. As of September 1, 2012 no new content will be added or updates made. We regret the need to take such steps, but should funding become available, we look forward to reinvigorating NCEF and providing this valuable resource to the educational facilities community.

If you have questions or are an organization or company wishing to support the continued operation of this industry recognized resource please contact Institute President Henry Green (hgreen@nibs.org, 202-289-7800).