Digital connectivity and e-learning has become an integral part of our classroom instruction. From lesson planning and class presentations, to online quizzes and gamification, to personalized training, reading, STEM and design platforms, and even “wiggle” or game breaks for our littlest students, a secure and online learning experience is important for teachers to effectively educate our next generation. This has become even more important in K-12 private schools.
When planning for campus upgrades to support new technology requests, consider the underlying infrastructure to support these enhancements. Nomadix has enabled secure and reliable networks for over 25 years. And many of the best practices developed for the hospitality industry can easily be adapted to solve similar problems on a smaller scale in private schools. Here are three lessons private school administrators can take from the hospitality playbook for providing modern technology that’s convenient, secure, and economical.
Convenient access for authorized users
Similar to hotel guests who are in and out throughout their stay, students and staff don’t want to bother signing in to the Wi-Fi every time they arrive at school. However, there still needs to be a level of access control to ensure that students aren’t hacking into the grading system and to keep unapproved guests from gaining access. An open network won’t protect students, but if there is a complicated process for logging in, students and staff might opt to stay on public cellular networks, where there’s even less ability for control.
Want to offer seamless, secure network access in just a couple steps and with very little configuration? Authentication platforms are the key. By re-authenticating devices automatically for those in range and blocking access for anyone unauthorized, they can streamline and safeguard internet usage at school. That means less disruptions and more learning.
Eliminate Bandwidth Snatchers
Have you ever stayed at a hotel and at the end of the day when conferences and meetings were over, the internet speed crashes and the network is impossibly slow? This can happen at schools too. Think multiple teachers streaming educational content or state testing days when everyone uses the internet simultaneously to take exams. There’s nothing worse that having a video prepped and ready to go and getting that dreaded buffering icon.
The answer to networks getting bogged down? Bandwidth provisioning and dynamic bandwidth allocation can help balance traffic. By ensuring everyone gets equal or appropriate access to bandwidth, learning can run smoothly. Is the library a hot zone? Admin can determine where bandwidth needs are greater, or reshape the network for special occasions like rallies or exams. Alternatively, access points can be programmed to automatically shift bandwidth based on real-time demand.
Cybersecurity and appropriate school content
Hotel guests need the ability to safely access personal information, log into their own accounts, keep up with work, etc., and protecting their data and privacy is a priority for hotel networks. Schools also need to prioritize network security, as they have become a top target for hackers who know most don’t have strong security in place. Many campuses rely on separate firewall applications that require extra hardware and have exorbitant licensing fees, while still needing regular maintenance and configuration. On top of this, these applications can also introduce lag time that disrupts the end user experience, like testing or online content.
In the hospitality industry, internet gateways with built-in firewall and security features offer flexible management controls while reducing costs by eliminating separate appliances. Schools can absolutely leverage these technologies, as well and ensure that the students and staff are protected with no service disruptions.
Delivering a safe, digitally connected learning experience is a growing challenge for private school leaders—especially under tight budget constraints. However, technology frameworks originally developed for the hospitality sector now offer K-12 institutions a proven, cost-effective path forward. These solutions can help schools meet the connectivity needs of students, staff, and the community with secure, scalable, and affordable solutions.
Interested in learning how Nomadix can help K-12 private schools? Book a meeting with us and learn more here.
Angela Quinn is the Senior Director of Business Development – the Americas for Nomadix, an ASSA ABLOY company. She brings over 20 years of experience to her role and an extensive background in Cloud Analytics Software, Networking, Wireless, Data Center, and Security Software Solutions.