Placentia campus unveils wireless internet service
10/22/2009 9:50:14 AM
College of the North Atlantic’s Placentia campus is the latest location to receive wireless internet access as part of the college’s Student Wireless Project.
The project, headed by the college’s information technology department, will have numerous wireless hotspots located throughout the campus, each one available to students and members of the public.
“Students can now use notebooks to do research, visit social networking sites, check email and much more in student lounge areas using their own notebook computers,” said Darrell Clarke, campus administrator, noting the project has an added benefit by reducing non-educational activities on college computers.
Throughout the year, community groups and not-for-profit organizations utilize the campus facilities. These groups will also be able to avail of the wireless service.
“Individuals and groups who use our boardroom now have access to wireless technology. They can download and receive information without accessing the college’s secure IT services,” said Clarke. “Anyone can visit the campus and use their own notebook to access wireless internet services to check email or browse the internet for presentation examples.”
The Student Wireless Project has three phases. The first will see wireless network access to the public internet being made available in campus libraries, cafeterias, lounges and common gathering areas at all CNA campuses by early in 2010.
Phase two of the plan will see a security environment and governance strategy deployed to allow students and approved college partners access to internal services found on the college’s provincial wide area network. This phase of the project will start up in the fall of 2010.
The final phase will see the college deliver virtualised applications that will allow the student to work on their course of studies at home, in class or various outdoor locations. The college may also explore the ability to deliver the college SharePoint portal to a student’s iPhone or Blackberry, and supply voice over internet protocol (i.e. SKYPE) type services for distance learning or learner-to-learner communications.
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For more information contact:
Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7938