Prepared for: The Administration of Saint Ignatius High School

Prepared by:  The Saint Ignatius Student Body

September 23, 2009

Proposal: Wireless Internet Access for the Student Body

Objective

The Saint Ignatius Community is severely limited in terms of access to the Internet. Admittedly, we have sufficient access inside of the computer labs, but these can be locked, closed, out of service, or otherwise rendered useless to the student body. The solution to this problem is clear: Wireless Internet access.

Goals

To establish wireless access to the school’s network and the Worldwide Web for the Saint Ignatius Student

Body, as governed by the Saint Ignatius rules and regulations regarding technology and Internet use.

Solution

Currently, an encrypted key protects the wireless Internet connection of Saint Ignatius High School. No students, and very few staff, have access to the connection. It is prudent in our increasingly technological age to keep up with spreading the flow of information freely between students, teachers, and the rest of the World.

Thus, the Students of Saint Ignatius High School stand firmly resolved that the administration should provide open access to a wireless connection to the Internet on the campus of Saint Ignatius High School, governed by the technological use policies of Saint Ignatius High School.

Nearly every college campus in America has provided their students with wireless Internet and network access. It is time that Ignatius takes another step into the twenty-first century and prepares their students for the modern age. While this may seem like a time-consuming process, it surely will not be. The administration need only do one of two things.

Additional Solvency

The following are possible solutions (whose merits will be discussed further) to the aforementioned problem:

1.Remove the password to the currently existing wireless network

A. This solution allows anybody to connect to the wireless network, possibly doing the community a great service. However, if overuse or security is an issue, simply simply installing the Novell system on the wireless network, requiring students to login with their school username and password before accessing the network, easily solves this problem

B. This is the quickest, most hassle-free solution for the students and administration alike

2.Provide the Student Body with the password to said wireless network

A. This restricts access to only those with the password, ensuring maximum security. As an extra precaution, the administration could install the Novell system on the wireless network

B. Though requiring more work (namely, distributing the password through the Student Body), this solution provides maximum security

Conclusion

Allowing the students to access the network wirelessly provides significant benefits over the current, computer lab-only access situation. First, the students can access their network drives over the wireless connection, allowing them to access files that they may need for class quickly and efficiently. Second, wireless inter-net allows complete freedom of use of computers from all over the school. No matter where a student is, he will always have access to his student e-mail, school files, and educational supplements. Third, providing Internet to students while anywhere on campus is a vital educational experience. Imagine, the expanse of knowledge contained on the internet, accessible without the inconvenience of having to leave class, pack up, or walk between buildings. It allows students to remove themselves from the library atmosphere, potentially removing distractions to the librarians, casual readers, or those doing homework. Fourth, it generates more access in the ever-crowded library. Rather than fight for seats at the rare open computer in the computer lab (or in some cases, steal a seat), students can feel relaxed, and able to use the Internet and network when they please. Fifth, there are no security concerns involved in this proposal. Solution two is self-explanatory, as users need a password to access the Internet. Solution one is secure, as well, because the wireless network does not extend off-campus and Novell could be used to filter access. Sixth, this allows those involved in extracurricular activities, which rely heavily on the Internet (Junior Council on World Affairs, Speech, Debate, etc.) to access information freely. Finally, students will not be any more distracted by the availability of the network on their computers. The wireless network could be restricted through Super-Scout, ensuring no inappropriate or distracting website-use. Also, students are currently permitted to use mobile computers in their classes. Therefore, there is no reason why increasing Internet access would uniquely increase the distraction that is already potentially provided by notebook computers. In fact, allowing students to connect to the network allows the administration to monitor computer usage, actually allowing them to remove potential for distraction, and to reprimand those that circumvent measures already taken.

– Cameron Colella

To sign this petition, click here.