Key point in my learning...Networks

This week, I have learned in an area that I have truly been waiting on...networks. I always wanted to know how schools and businesses are able to have their computers up and running without seeing cords all over the place. This week, I learned just that. My ideal situation if I were a technology professional would be to have the school set up with wireless but I know in real life situations where funding is needed this may not be possible. I do feel comfortable now that at least I understand the technology professionals lingo as it pertains to networks. For example, I learned that a ring is a system that is used mainly in a school office and does not have a server but instead the computers operate in a loop and will work even if one computer is down. The star would be best used in a media center type situation where several students will access the computer. In this case there is a main computer that is the file server. The main problem with the star server system is when the file server is down, the other computers will not operate. The other network system used is the bus that can be used for the entire school. A bus networking system acts just like a bus line and directs traffic from a central computer.

After reading the article by Roy, I have also taken notice that wi-fi networks that I have previously favored can pose potential harm to student and teachers bodies. Wireless networks expose students to headaches and possible skin rashes and should be considered carefully while children are in such early stages. As a result, Roy has listed several factors that should be taken under consideration with wireless networks in the school system such as: signs that warn on wireless areas and a gauss meter to monitor the electromagnetic field, making certain it does not go above 2-5 milligauss. In 2003, some parents filed a lawsuit that resulted in the school getting rid of wireless connections. Now that I have read about the potential harm of wireless networks, I can now take precautions if I decide to be a technology professional and work for a school or district.

Roy, K. (2008). Should we pull the plug on wireless computer networks?. Science Scope, 31(7), 10-11. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.