A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a flexible data communication system implemented as an extension to, or as an alternative for, a wired LAN within a building. Using radio frequency technology, WLAN receives and transmits data over the air, minimising the need for wired connections. As WLAN has gained great popularity in a number of industries in the last several years, it seems that the technology can also be used in education. A WLAN pilot scheme was carried out during Semester B 1998/99 to test the effectiveness of the set up and to look into various issues related to the use of this new technology in teaching and learning environment.

There were two schemes for testing the WLAN facilities. One scheme was for teaching only, meaning that only the lecturer were using the WLAN to perform normal teaching using presentation software (such as MS PowerPoint) and the Internet. Altogether, 21 volunteers from 13 departments/divisions participated in this scheme. The other scheme allowed classes to be conducted in the form of workshop/tutorial using the WLAN facilities. Two departments, IS and CS, joined this scheme. The IS class taught on the subject of Virtual Work which was about the use of computing and telecommunication technology for working at different places. The 31 IS students worked on exercises which required them to work together from different locations and use bulletin boards for class discussion, and much more. The CS class taught about Data and Knowledge Reengineering in which 30 groups (each with 4 students) used the notebook computers to do their projects. They got access to different databases through the WLAN in the classrooms as well as in the CS Lab. In April, an EN tutorial group of 5 students also joined the scheme.

All project participants were given a notebook computer and a WLAN antenna to start with. They were requested to fill out an evaluation sheet and return it together with the notebook to us by the end of May. Lecturers were also required to log down the usage activities for reference. To show just how successful the pilot scheme was, here are the precious comments collected from the participants (both lecturers and students):

Comments from Lecturers

On WLAN, notebook computer and video projector:

1. The WLAN was reliable, convenient, and the speed was fast.
2. When comparing with the hardwired networking environment, no significant difference in speed and reliability was detected but WLAN was more convenient and flexible.
3. The WLAN facility should be implemented across the whole campus, including the library, student working areas, staff offices, classrooms, conference rooms, etc.
4. The notebook computers were reliable, easy to use and battery life was long enough, but portability was less than satisfactory (too heavy).
5. The support and maintenance provided by CSC was good, helpful, prompt and responsible.
6. Sometimes encountered video projector and socket problems.
7. Suggest all lecturers be given this facility; or offered discount to help them purchase the equipment for teaching; or allowing each department to keep several notebook computers in stock.

1. The facility can support problem (or task)-based learning activities.
2. WLAN has two distinct advantages: mobility and ad-hoc networking.
3. No doubt that WLAN is suitable and good for teaching.
4. WLAN improves quality of teaching.
5. Students can practise and apply skills in producing quality presentation support materials.
6. Students can pre-test their presentation in the notebook beforehand and use the notebook for presentation.
7. WLAN has enabled lecturers and students to pursue a very different and better form of learning.
8. WLAN allows excellent flexibility of access to a wider range of materials (Internet, etc.)
    

1. WLAN was reliable, convenient, and the speed was fast.
2. As compared to the hardwired networking environment, WLAN was more convenient and flexible but less reliable.
3. WLAN facility should be implemented across the whole campus, including the library, student working areas, canteen, labs, lecturer theatres, podium, etc.
4. The notebook computers were reliable, easy to use, but battery life was not long enough and portability was less than satisfactory (too heavy).
5. The notebook computers required a reliable, safe location to store when not in use.
6. Recommended to place the notebook computers in CSC at the end of the day instead of taking them home.
7. WLAN signal was weak. Sometimes it could not be connected even in some areas inside the dedicated classroom, but overall performance was good.
8. Some devices (for example, the antenna) were fragile.
9. CSC support staff were nice, approachable and helpful.

On teaching and learning:

1. Students can choose the place to work in.
2. The notebook computers are more useful on campus than at home.
3. The course should provide more chance for using the notebook computer.
4. With WLAN, students can connect to the Internet very easily and conveniently.