In 2004, when Gary L. Allen was considering different approaches for replacing the Amarillo Independent School District's antiquated phone system, he had a dilemma. The goal was to expand the features that the district's phones were capable of while taking advantage of its digital infrastructure and cutting costs. But, should he buy the latest…

In 2005, Tucson, Arizona's Empire High School made headlines for its decision to forgo textbooks in favor of the digital resources that a wireless one-to-one environment could make possible. Now in its third year, this "inverted" curricular model designed around the laptop program has proven key to innovation and is recognized…

In this article, the author relates how he discovered that not all Wi-Fi networks are secure. As such, he developed several strategies on how he can be secured whenever he connects to the Internet through a Wi-Fi connection. He discusses how one can change passwords, explains the process of encryption, and provides suggestions on other security…

There have been many tools that people can use to get connected with each other worldwide. Cell phones, blogs, wikis, podcasts, e-mail--the world hinges upon people's ability to connect, share, collaborate, and communicate. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is another tool schools can use to help their students get connected with the world. One…

Cablevision, Comcast, Verizon, and many other high-speed broadband Internet providers are now also offering telephone services through "Voice over Internet Protocol" (VoIP). This technology sends ordinary telephone calls over the Internet rather than over telephone lines. While impractical without the use of a broadband Internet connection, with…

Wireless connectivity in schools is all the rage, and many school systems have at least gotten their feet wet with a wireless lab or a few portable laptop carts. But Bijaya Devkota, the chief information officer of Charles County Public Schools, has done what many school systems only dream of--implemented universal wireless access throughout his…

Conceptualizes the Internet in terms of the NII's (National Information Infrastructure) proposed features; suggests that it will be interactive, have multimedia capability, and be a network of networks; and discusses legislative and budgetary issues affecting the development and use of technology in the classroom. Sidebars highlight individual…

In this article, the author presents the latest wireless equipments available in market. For starters, wireless networks offer mobility and flexibility: users of laptops, PDAs, tablet PCs, and wireless Voice over IP telephones can move freely about campus while staying connected to the Internet. There are two kinds of wireless networks: ad-hoc, or…

Presents key elements for successful staff development programs concerning the use of telecommunications in schools. Highlights include offering a variety of options, emphasizing skill development, providing hands-on experience, tailoring to local situations, using examples, and providing support materials. (LRW)

Provides an overview of school networking options and explores what speedier broadband technologies mean for education. Topics include Ethernet; wireless options for connection to the Internet; local area networks; wide area networks; phone lines; satellite access; cable modems; digital subscriber line (DSL); and funding networks through the…

Districts are finding that alert notification systems that deliver automated phone messages are an effective way to reach parents and employees. Implementing the technology is one thing and getting the most out of it is another. This article presents the Districts' goal to get in touch with parents and employees in emergency situations. Andy…

Discusses the use of computer-based telecommunications through the Internet and commercial online services to bring immediacy and individualization to the school curriculum. Topics include integrating telecommunications into the curriculum, basic Internet tools, e-mail, the World Wide Web, and resources on the Internet for curriculum planning.…

Describes collaborative learning projects developed for the Internet for elementary and secondary school classrooms. Highlights include reading programs; guidelines for successful telecommunications projects; global projects, including KIDLINK; and Web sites to find projects accepting participants. (LRW)

A podcast is audio or visual content that is automatically delivered over a network via free subscription. The advantage podcasts have over traditional oral reports is that students can edit and revise until what they say and how they say it is perfected. iLife applications are ideal for creating podcasts and other digital projects because of…

Advocates of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) say it saves money on long distance calls by sending them over the Internet, improves communication by eliminating the Private Branch Exchange (PBX), and offers a host of neat features such as call forwarding, e-mail accessible voicemail, and more. When it comes to measuring the dollars-and-cents…