One of the largest rural wireless networks in Australia was officially launched today (June 7) at The University of Queensland's Gatton campus.
The UQconnect Wireless Network showcases how cutting edge technologies are transforming the classroom and the way research is conducted.
Students and staff at Gatton will initially be connected in the central student area of the campus via an extensive wireless network providing internet access whether they are indoor or outside.
UQ Information Technology Services (ITS) director Nick Tate said the wireless network would help staff and students at Gatton move beyond traditional classrooms, through anytime, anywhere internet access.
“Students will now be able to connect to online-based resources while in the refectory," Mr Tate said.
“Through further upgrades we hope to have access out in the field or anywhere on campus, so students can video link back to lectures.
“This will have a remarkable impact on the way teaching and learning, and research is undertaken at the campus.”
UQ has invested more than $50,000 in the development of the wireless network, with 20 access points going live at the launch.
“The Gatton campus in particular will benefit greatly from the wireless network as class rooms, labs and outdoor work environments are spread out over a large area,” he said.
“Now we will see the integration of the outside study environment with the traditional learning environment.
“This link between the outside environment and the lab will speed up data collection and dissemination, meaning research output will improve significantly improve.”
The Gatton community itself will benefit from public access to high speed broadband at UQ's Gatton campus.
“We intend to facilitate the campus into becoming a local community technology hub,” he said.
“UQ, and therefore Gatton has, via AARNet3, one of the fastest internet connections in the country and the fastest in the Gatton area.”
The UQconnect Wireless Network at Gatton was also one of 25 university campuses around Australia to benefit from Intel’s Mobile Initiative for Learning in Education, with the donation of five base stations.
This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of mobile computing and wireless technologies in Australian universities so students and staff can learn, teach and research anytime, anywhere by 2006.
Media: for more information, contact David Ashkanasy (telephone 07 3365 4994, mobile 0412 880 932, email d.ashkanasy@uq.edu.au).
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