An Evaluation of the Opportunities and Challenges of Wi-Fi Adoption in Malaysian Institutions

Authors: Subrahmanyam Kodukula, Nurbiya Maimaiti

Abstract:

There have been many variations of technologies that helped educators in teaching & learning. From the past research it is evident that Information Technology significantly increases student participation and interactivity in the classrooms. This research started with a aim to find whether adoption of Wi-Fi environment by Malaysian Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) can benefit students and staff equally. The study was carried out in HEI-s of Klang Valley, Malaysia and the data is gathered through paper based surveys. A sample size of 237 units were randomly selected from 5 higher educational institutions in the Klang Valley using the Stratified Random sampling method and from the analysis of the data, it was found that the implementation of wireless technologies in HEIs have created lot of opportunities and also challenges.

Keywords: Wired Technologies, Wireless Classroom, HEI, Dense User Environment.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1078571

References:

[1] Young, J.R. (1999). Are wireless networks the wave of the future? Chronicle of higher Education, 45(22), pp. 25-26.
[2] Mathews J.B, 2005, "Why are Wireless Services Important to State and Education Leaders?", Southern Regional Education Board, Atlanta (Online). Available: http://www.sreb.org/programs/edtech/pubs/PDF/05T02- Why_Wireless_Important.pdf
[3] Prakash Nair, RA, (2002). "The Role of Wireless Computing Technology in the Design of Schools", National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF) Publication. (Online). Available: http://www.edfacilities.org/pubs/wirelessII3.html
[4] Griffioen, J., Seales, W., and Lumpp, J. (1999). Teaching in Real-time Wireless Classrooms. Journal of Engineering, Education, 88(4), 397.
[5] Darrell Walery, (2005), "Tips for Implementing a Wireless Netwrok", THE Journal, Technological Horizons In, (Online). Available: http://thejournal.com/articles/17201
[6] Zardoya I. (2001). "Urban Students Cross the Digital Divide Through Laptop Leasing program". Education, 122(2), p. 262.
[7] Kim, S.H., Mims, C., & Holmes, K.P. (2006). An introduction to current trends and benefits of mobile wireless technology use in higher education. AACE Journal, 14(1), 77-100. (Online). Available: http://www.editlib.org/index.cfm/files/paper_6158.pdf?fuseaction=Read er. DownloadFullText&paper_id=6158
[8] Judith B., Rajala. (2003) "Wireless technology in education.", THE Journal, Technological Horizons In, (Online). Available: http://thejournal.com/articles/16482
[9] Bartel, Charles. (2000). Carnegie Mellon University. Wireless AndrewÔÇöFrequently asked questions on deploying a wireless network, (Online).Available: http://www.cmu.edu/computing/documentation/faq
[10] John R. Savery, "Faculty and Student Perceptions of Technology Integration in teaching", The Journal of Interactive Online Learning, Volume 1, Number 2, Fall 2002, ISSN: 1541-4914.
[11] Mark Saunders, Philips Lewis and Adrian Thornhill .Research Methods for Business Students, 2003, Prentice Hall.
[12] Punch, K.F. (1998) Introduction to social research: quantitative and qualitative approaches. London: Sage publications
[13] Shaw, F.H., & Giacquinta, J.B. (2000)., "A survey of graduate students as end user of computer technology: New roles for faculty". Information Technology, Learning, and performance Journal, 18(1), pp. 21-38.