The following summary by Jamie
McKenzie about the benefits of
laptops and wireless technology for
Anytime Anywhere discusses why
wireless networks utilizing mobile
computers are preferable to the stillprevalent
practice of putting a few
desktop machines in the back of
each classroom. (Also see a related
publication by NCEF on this
subject14). Jamie McKenzie’s list
published in the journal From Now
On is paraphrased here:
• Ease of Movement:
Untethered laptops can be
moved anywhere in the building
and require no special furniture.
• Relaxed Fit: Laptops are easier
to accommodate within existing
classrooms because of their
small footprint.
• Strategic Deployment: Laptop
computers can be deployed on
rolling carts where they are
needed most, creating one-toone
learning opportunities that
traditional methods of
distributing computers
throughout a school do not
provide.
• Flexibility: Laptops can be used
within existing rooms and can be
configured to fit the teacher’s
preference and the nature of the
learning experience, whether
that is team, group, or individual.
Wireless laptops place no additional demands on furniture
or space.
• Cleanliness: Elimination of
cables and wires means that 25
or even 30 laptops can be
accommodated in a room
without creating a mess.
• Low Profile: Unlike desktops
behind whose large monitors
students may be hidden, laptops
have low profiles, allowing
teachers and students to have
important eye contact.
• Convenience: As with the
Quinns Beach example, wireless
laptops' ability to be readily
available when needed and
easily stowed when not makes
them more likely to be used.
• Simplicity: The simplicity,
comfort, and reliability of
wireless laptops means that
teachers and students can focus
on learning, not on hardware.
This may help technology attain
the full use that has been hoped
for but often not realized
because of technical difficulties
or inconvenience.
• Speed: There is almost no setup
time for wireless laptops. They
can be up and running without
needing to locate and connect or
disconnect a wire. This is a huge advantage and another way in
which the technology itself
becomes subordinate to the task
of learning.”