First of all, if you are new to Wi-Fi, you’re probably wondering, “what on Earth is Wi-Fi?”
Wi-Fi is a trademarked term for a group of wireless communication protocols. If you have ever browsed the web wirelessly from your laptop, then you’ve used Wi-Fi. Here is a basic one minute overview:
Recently, the Greater Victoria School District (SD61) formed a committee that will consider banning wireless technology from our schools. We’ve launched a campaign to prevent that from occurring. You can join our efforts by signing up to our email list.
Here are six reasons to keep Wi-Fi in School District 61:
1) The World Health Organization, Health Canada and BC’s Provincial Health Officer (Dr. Perry Kendall) have all determined there is no credible evidence of adverse health effects from Wi-Fi.
2) Wi-Fi provides students with high speed, reliable and convenient access to high quality and up-to-date educational resources.
3) Wi-Fi is cost effective. It uses publicly managed radio spectrum to eliminate cables and reduce network installation costs.
4) Wi-Fi empowers teachers and students by providing them with more freedom in their schools.
5) Wi-Fi has already been reviewed by the school board. This occurred at the June 14, 2010 meeting of the Operations, Policy and Planning committee. In that meeting, the Director of Information Technology for District 61 explained to trustees that Wi-Fi is safe.
6) Opponents of Wi-Fi typically base their concerns on poorly designed research studies, obscure studies that cannot be replicated, scientific results that have been taken out of context or research that has not been peer reviewed. However, in a free and open society, false or misleading information should not be passively accepted. As the governing body for public education in the district, the school board has an opportunity to stand up for science by reaffirming its commitment to Wi-Fi.
You can stay informed about local policy issues by subscribing to our newsletter in the sidebar on the right.