THE NEW-AGE CLASSROOM

THE NEW-AGE CLASSROOM

A relatively new concept for students, it has been in colleges for almost two years but was only limited to staff members and principal's office. Starting with small steps, institutes have finally taken a big leap wherein students can gain access to Internet in some places like libraries, media labs and laboratories for research purpose. Some, on the other hand have gone all out and students can avail of the facility all over the campus. KPB Hinduja College not only has multiple connections but also has 4G connection for a couple of months.

Some like the Somaiya campus in Vidyavihar is on its way to create Wi-Fi zones across the entire campus. With a SAP number that is available on their ID cards, students are given passwords for accessing the internet during their admissions. In some colleges, it has become a part of their fee component, wherein, it is included in their computer fees. While using cellphones in class is restricted, its availability enhances the learning experience.

Professor Manjula Srinivas, who heads the BMM department at KC College says, “It is extremely essential for mass media students during their presentations. For presentations and videos, we use cables to show them some videos as we teach.  While students can't access the same in classrooms, it is available to them in the canteen.“

As students need all information on their fingertips, Wi-Fi makes it quick and handy for them to avail the same. Professor Pushpinder Bhatia of Guru Bhatia of Guru Nanak College, says, “There are plenty of simulation experiment videos that are uploaded each day and as we explain concepts to students, watching videos helps them understand the same, better. It has been a welcome addition in our college, which is completely Wi-Fi enabled.“

LIMITATIONS 

Everyone today has unlimited 3G data plans on their phones and with slow speed, everyone eventually ends up using their own data. Sometimes, though, Wi-Fi helps when they have no internet connection in classrooms above second floor and they need to look up for something.

Some colleges, on the other hand, have free Wi-Fi for a select few service providers owing to tie-ups.

Plus, many have blocked social media, video-sharing and photo-sharing sites where minute to minute updates are available on the latest affairs, which does not go down well with students.

Source | Extracted from TOI - Will Mumbai become a Wi-Fi city soon? Dated 7 February 2016