Wireless instruction: a new dimension in course delivery: when distance learning classes go wireless, the students, faculty, and educational institution can benefit. Along with increased content, the frequency and quality of contact between the two can improve

Management Accounting Quarterly, Fall, 2004 by D'Arcy Becker, Susan Haugen

Availability of Technology: The instructor's access to cell phone service and appropriate power to charge batteries or run the laptop are the two key factors affecting availability. Battery life for laptops continues to be extremely short, so frequent access to a power source is essential, even with a backup battery. The power converter for use in cars is one innovation that helps. Cell phone availability over diverse geographic locations also can be problematic. Some telecommunications companies have better coverage than others, and different geographic regions are often better served by different wireless providers. This means the instructor's itinerary often drives the service decision, so the itinerary must be determined in advance.

Reliability of Technology: As happens with a typical DE class taught from an instructor's office or a studio, computer servers hosting the class may have outages. Teaching a wireless course adds the potential outage of cell phone service. Instructors need to be prepared for breakdowns and have a plan to deal with them. If cell phone service does not reach the town where the instructor is staying, for example, he or she may have to move some distance to find service again. Using a satellite-based phone service instead of a tower-based one can reduce the likelihood of not being able to connect, but it does not eliminate the risk of the service being down for periods of time.

FACULTY-STUDENT INTERACTION

Learning in electronic classrooms is heavily influenced both by the technology used and by the instructor. (7) It is the implementation of the technology that determines its effects on learning, not the technology itself. (8) If the technology allows students to learn when and where they desire, they may be more engaged in the learning process and may improve their mastery of course content. Wireless technology can help in this area.

The instructor's ability to facilitate the learning environment may be more important than his or her ability to teach in the online setting. (9) Interaction with students is essential, and teaching styles that encourage student-instructor interactions lead to more positive learning outcomes. (10) Students who have 24/7 access to a course are more likely to participate in electronic discussions with instructors and peers. They may be more motivated and sensitive to meeting deadlines, providing thoughtful discussions, and keeping up with course requirements. Therefore, the instructor must plan to communicate regularly with the students as well as to adjust the teaching plan to fit any special circumstances that arise.

In addition, summer sessions are often intense, have a shorter duration than semester offerings, and require timely instructor interaction and intervention. By using the wireless system, contact can be made every day, no matter what the local facilities, the local Internet access, or the local long distance policies and charges are. When students are made aware that the instructor is on top of their activities and assignments and is available for quick turnaround on questions, positive rapport between the instructor and students will develop quickly.