14 DAY TRIAL // Online learning can be a challenge for both parents and students, but at the same time, it also requires access to the technology that some don’t have.
To deal with this drawback, the Austin Independent School District has turned to school buses turned into mobile access points that are parked in specific neighborhoods in order to provide free Internet access.
However, the Internet connection must only be used for online learning, local officials say, and is only available during the week from 8 am to 2 pm.
“To further bridge the technology gap, Austin ISD has retrofitted its buses with WiFi capabilities up to a distance of 200 feet. AISD will be strategically positioning these buses daily from 8:00am-2:00pm at apartments and neighborhoods identified as having the highest needs. The locations will be adjusted as needed,” the announcement reads.
Safe delivery
Furthermore, the school district is providing families with both a Chromebook and a Wi-Fi hotspots if students in grades 3-7 need access to the Internet. The delivery of the technology takes place without any physical contact.
“In grades 8-12, Austin ISD already had a one-device-to-one student program in place, so students in those grades do not need to request a new device. Technology staff will make every effort to accommodate as many families as possible, but devices may be limited,” the school district explains.
Deliveries for the Chromebooks and the hotspots have already started, but the district explains that it takes longer to ship all of them due to the number of requests.
“An Austin ISD employee will deliver the device to your doorstep, ring the doorbell or knock on the door, and step back more than six feet. You are not required to leave your home. Once you have picked up the Chromebook, the employee will leave. If you do not pick up the Chromebook, the employee will take it back to the bus,” it says.
Additional guidance for parents and students can be found in this document here.