Tag Archives: hotspots

Technology in schools, specifically Godfrey-Lee Pubic Schools, discussed on WKTV Journal In Focus

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Visiting WKTV Journal In Focus in this segment are district Superintendent Kevin Polston and Director of Technology Adrianne Rose. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In early April, it was announced by AT&T and the nonprofit Connected Nation that Godfrey-Lee Public Schools would be one of 13 schools and nonprofits across Michigan that would receive free mobile hotspots and internet connectivity with the specific goal of serving at-risk students.

That news follows the district last November gaining voter approval of a $17.8 million bonding measure intended for building and infrastructure improvements. So there is big technology news happening in the Godfrey-Lee community.

Adrianne Rose, Director of Technology, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, on WKTV Journal In Focus set. (WKTV)

Visiting WKTV Journal In Focus in this segment are district Superintendent Kevin Polston and Director of Technology Adrianne Rose. And we will not only talk specifically about the technology improvements in-work and planned, but also the status of the all the improvements that $18 million will fund.

Superintendent Polston also talks about his state-wide education work after being appointed early this year by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to lead the Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan. The group is looking at educational issues caused by the pandemic and is tasked to “provide guidance and recommendations to ensure Michigan students have the tools and resources they need to get back on track.”

So, coming full circle, the Godfrey-Lee schools leader talks about how technology and connectivity will also be an essential element of getting students back on track.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

KDL makes hotspots available at all locations, increases checkout time

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

As the Greater Grand Rapids area moves into the new year, the possibilities of many still working and attending school virtually remains high, which is why earlier in December the Kent District Library made the announcement that it has made it mobile wi-fi hotspots available at all of its 22 locations.

KDL mobile hotspots are now available at all of its branches. (Supplied/KDL)

“Previously, they had only been available at seven more real locations,” said Elizabeth Guarino-Kozlowicz, KDL manager of library collections. “We’re hoping to help more patrons in Kent County as we continue to chip away at the digital divide.”

Another change is that patrons can now checkout a wi-fi hotspot for up to four months. In the past, it was for three weeks.

KDL has more than 1,000 hotspots available for checkout. The hotspots are part of the Beyond Books Collection and are available to library cardholders age 18 and older. Demand for the hotspots have been high especially since state guidelines have pushed many families to work and attend school from home. KDL staff estimates that currently about 800 of its hotspots are currently checked with about 200 hotspots having been loaned to Northview Public Schools and Kelloggsville High School.

“With an estimated 37,000 households without broadband Internet access in Kent County, during this time of crisis, it’s important to help as many people as we can,” said Carrie Wilson, director of library services at KDL. “With so many people working and learning from home, the need for Internet access is greater than ever before.”

To check out a hotspot, visit kdl.org and search on the term “hotspot” to place a hold. Hotspots can be picked up and returned at any KDL branch. People who live in the KDL service area and do not have a library card can register for one online at kdl.org/virtual or by calling616-784-2007.

A wi-fi hotspot is a small piece of equipment that will set up a wireless network that allows a houseful of people to connect to the Internet via cellular service.

KDL closes internet gap by offering hotspots; state hotspot map available

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

According to the U.S. Census about 16 percent of the Kent County population does not have internet with about nine percent having no computers. However a recent initiative from the Kent District Library looks to help provide internet straight to resident’s homes.

The KDL has added 700 new hotspots to the collection, increasing the number to 8333. The hotspots are part of the Beyond Books Collection and are available to library cardholders age 18 and older.

Also announced this week, the State of Michigan is partnering to provide a map of public hotspots state wide. (See info below.)

A wifi hotspot is a small piece of equipment that will set up a wireless network that allows a houseful of people to connect to the Internet via cellular service. (Supplied)

“With an estimated 24,000 households without broadband access in Kent County, during this time of crisis, it is important to help as many people as we can,” said KDL Director of Library Services Carrie Wilson, who was referring to the recent COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in a quarantine. The result of the statewide quranrinte had many families working from home as well as students completing the 2019-2020 school year online.

“With so many people working and learning from home, the need for Internet access is greater than every before.”

Outside of the COVID-19 crisis, the U.S. Census through its data had determined that computer usage and Internet access had become increasingly important of regathering information, looking for jobs and participation in a changing world economy. For example, in a U.S. Census report about computer and Internet usage, it is estimated that about 8 percent of households had a compute run 1984. That number jumped to about half of all U.S. households having a computer in 2000 with the number growing to 79 percent in 2015.

Wilson also noted that the wifi at the KDL branches is free and open with residents being able to connect from the parking lot. A library card is not needed to connect to the free wifi.

To check out a hotspot, visit kdl.org and search on the term “hotspot.” Hotspots will be mailed to households while KDL branches are closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. When KDL opens, hotspots will be able to be picked up at the branches. KDL branches are expected to open with limited services July 6.

People who live in the KDL service area and do not have a library card can register for one online at kdl.org/virtual or by calling 616-784-2007.

Statewide map of hotspots

The State of Michigan, in partnership with the Connected Nation Michigan, released a statewide Wi-Fi hotspot map this week to assist residents who currently lack internet access at home. Currently on the map are only two in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on the map, but more are being added.

The COVID-19 pandemic and transition to remote and distance learning has only increased the need for residents and students to have easy access to broadband services.

The Wi-Fi mapping effort, spearheaded by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and Connected Nation Michigan, along with the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan Department of Education, is an interim step amid the coronavirus pandemic to spotlight publicly available broadband hotspots for households without internet access.

To find a hotspot site near you, click here.

WKTV Managing Editor Ken Norris contributed to this story.