2.1.1: Technology Infrastructure and Communication Tools

Learning Objectives

• Explore digital communication in education.
• Describe the pros and cons of digital and communication tools for teachers and students.

In education, technology infrastructure provides the backbone for communication tools to function. For example, a school's technology infrastructure might include servers and networks that support communication tools like email, messaging apps, and virtual classrooms. Combining a robust technology infrastructure and effective communication tools creates a connected and efficient learning environment.

Technology Infrastructure

Technology infrastructure refers to the underlying framework and components that support the operation of technology within an organization or system. It includes hardware (servers, computers, and networks), software (operating systems and applications), data storage systems, and connectivity solutions. The technology infrastructure provides the foundation for various IT processes and services, ensuring that different technologies work together seamlessly. 

Communication Tools

Communication tools are applications, software, or platforms designed to facilitate the exchange of information and collaboration between individuals or groups.    Email, messaging apps, video conferencing tools, project management software, and social media platforms are all communication tools. These tools enhance communication, streamline collaboration, and enable information sharing in various contexts, including education, business, and personal interactions. 

Setting up Infrastructure and Connectivity

Here are some tips for setting up infrastructure and connectivity:

1. Install wired and Wi-Fi networks: Prioritize high bandwidth capacity to ensure fast, reliable access across all devices and classrooms. 
2. Set up charging stations: Have enough power outlets and charging lockers so students can easily charge laptops, tablets, and phones.
3. Get devices for students and teachers: Provide enough laptops, tablets, and other devices to meet learning needs and upgrade older devices when needed.
4. Choose apps and systems: Select user-friendly apps, learning platforms, and systems that integrate well. Ensure they are compatible across devices.
5. Automate tech support: Software can automatically check device health, install updates, and fix issues, saving teachers and staff time.
6. Train all users: Provide educators, staff, and students with sufficient ongoing training on all new instructional technologies and address troubleshooting issues.
7. Build system security: Secure sensitive data and prevent external threats using encryption, backups, authentication controls, firewalls, and anti-virus software. Update often.
8. Get spare equipment: Have backup computers, cables, power supplies, tablets, and batteries readily available. Swap broken items out immediately when needed. 
9. Expand infrastructure over time: Continue to upgrade bandwidth capacity, add new devices, enhance digital security features, and modernize equipment as needs grow. 
10. Set clear usage policies: To prevent issues, have rules, restrictions, and policies on device usage. Digital citizenship and ethics education are key. 

With the right infrastructure and policies, technology can better support online, blended, and digital learning models in schools. Routine assessments ensure tools stay current, secure, and sustainable.

Ubiquitous Connectivity

Ubiquitous connectivity refers to the idea that internet access is available everywhere, for everyone, at all times. It's the concept of being connected to the online world no matter where you are or what device you use.

Some key things to know about ubiquitous connectivity:

• Accessibility - Internet connectivity should be as readily accessible as electricity in homes, workplaces, public spaces, remote areas, etc. 
• Continuity - You can remain connected, moving seamlessly between wi-fi, cellular data, and other access points without losing connectivity.
• Variety of devices - Connectivity should be available across smartphones, laptops, wearables, vehicles, appliances, sensors, and other Internet of things (IoT) objects. 
• Speed and reliability - Ubiquitous connectivity relies on fast, reliable broadband and wireless networks that can handle many connected devices simultaneously with good quality service.
• Affordability - Widespread connectivity requires affordable data plans and reasonably priced connected devices and hardware.

Ubiquitous connectivity promises a world where virtually everyone and everything can transfer data easily and freely over the internet in real-time.  It has revolutionary implications for knowledge, business, access to services, and the management of infrastructure, assets, and devices across smart cities, factories, agriculture, and more.

The future envisions ubiquitous connectivity powering technologies like self-driving cars, robotic assistants, augmented reality environments, biofeedback wearables, and adaptive smart homes that intuitively respond to assist us.

Connectivity at School

 Here is a simplified version of key things to consider for connectivity in schools:

1. Internet access everywhere. Ensure wi-fi and wired networks cover all classrooms, offices, common areas, auditoriums, outdoor spaces, and buses. Prioritize capacity and speed.

2. Variety of devices. Support seamless connectivity across student and teacher laptops, tablets, phones, interactive whiteboards, printers, and security systems. 

3. Reliable infrastructure. Build in redundancy with fiber optic wiring, several ISPs, and backup power generators. Make the network resilient.  

4. Productivity software. Provide portals and secure cloud access to enable online learning tools, collaboration apps, messaging, and file-sharing.

5. User policies. Establish acceptable use policies and cyberethics training appropriate by age level to encourage digital responsibility.  

6. Ongoing support. Keep infrastructure current with upgrades to bandwidth, security patches, and new devices. Provide IT teams, help desk support and teacher training.

With comprehensive access, robust underlying technology, and policies for safe use, connectivity empowers immersive, digitally enhanced education during class and beyond school walls. Evaluate connectivity regularly to enable administrators, educators, families, and students to participate fully in digital learning initiatives.

Connectivity at Home

1. High-speed internet that covers the whole home provides enough bandwidth for family needs and offers reliable connectivity without lags or dead zones. Look into available cable, DSL, and fiber optic plans.
2. A secure home Wi-Fi network with encryption and a strong password for access. Ensure all family devices and Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets connect safely.
3. Use quality routers and/or mesh Wi-Fi systems if necessary for larger homes, newer standards like Wi-Fi 6, or increased traffic demands from streaming. Position equipment optimally for range, too.
4. Family Internet policies like accepted use guidelines, content filters, time limits, and internet scheduling/pausing are helpful. Consider child-friendly Wi-Fi access options tailored to kids. 
5. Firewalls, anti-virus programs, and other cybersecurity protections create a safe digital environment immune to malware, hacking, and identity theft.
6. Surge protectors and power backup equipment maintain electricity and protect against damage during outages or voltage spikes. They also prevent connectivity disruptions.

Evaluate home internet and network routinely for speed, quality of access, and bandwidth needs as usage evolves. Discuss priorities around connectivity costs, accessibility needs, and emerging smart home technologies with families.

References

Department of Education. Office of Educational Technology. https://tech.ed.gov/ 

Image created using Adobe Firefly: Digital communication in the classroom