Hot Spot Keeps Library Connected

Posted by Laptopical.com

Comments
0
Likes
0
Dislikes
0

Some sixth-graders in the Minneapolis area are carrying their school-issued laptops to libraries for wireless access. Now there's a statement you don't hear often, or, for that matter, at all.

Some sixth-graders in the Minneapolis area are carrying their school-issued laptops to libraries for wireless access. Now there's a statement you don't hear often, or, for that matter, at all. But nearby Baytown, MN, Oak-Land Junior High is among the first schools in the country to issue free laptops to students -- and to have full Wi-Fi library access for kids, as well.

Computer-savvy seventh- and eighth-graders are also toting their trendy wireless notebooks to Bayport Library, which spent $2,400 of its own funds to make Wi-Fi a reality.

The reasoning behind this new idea, agree library officials and parents alike, sprang from the obvious need for teens to have a safe place in which to be able to connect, without going to local coffee shops or hanging around in the school parking lot trying to pick up Wi-Fi signals.

As the saying goes, you can't lead a horse to water if the pond is dry. So, when the school issued 1,044 notebooks last year, the library jumped in and made it a wireless paradise.

Sure, they play games. And of course every teen isn't assiduously doing homework ALL the time; but, they are getting their class work completed, in a pretty comfy pad, too -- boasting four fireplaces and bright, sun-filled rooms, Bayport's become the newest "hangout."

Of course, under an Internet child protection law, libraries receiving federal money must apply for filters for patrons younger than 18.

But Bayport Library and its community didn't want such tight restrictions, so they financed the program on their own dime, offering Internet filters at special, "kid-friendly" stations, allowing parents to decide what level of information access to provide for their kids.

When a library becomes "the cool place to be," you know you've done SOMETHING right.

Most Popular Laptops at Pricegrabber.com

Add your Comment

Verification Code
Verify (type this text in the box below the image)

Newsletter Sign-Up

Most Popular Laptops & Gear

  • 1. Hp Pavilion Dv4-2169nr Entertainment Notebook P...

    Hp Pavilion Dv4-2169nr Enterta

  • 2. iPad Wi-Fi 16GB Tablet

    iPad Wi-Fi 16GB Tablet

  • 3. MacBook Pro MC374LL/A Notebook - Core 2 Duo 2.4...

    MacBook Pro MC374LL/A Notebook

  • 1. EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera

    EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera

  • 2. Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 Point & Shoot Digital Came...

    Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 Point & S

  • 3. D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

    D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w

  • 1. iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable

  • 2. iPod touch 32GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 32GB Flash Portable

  • 3. iPod touch 64GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 64GB Flash Portable

  • 1. BRAVIA KDL-40EX700 40" LCD TV

    BRAVIA KDL-40EX700 40" LCD TV

  • 2. iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable Media Player

    iPod touch 8GB Flash Portable

  • 3. D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

    D3000 SLR Digital Camera Kit w

Powered by
PriceGrabber.com

Latest Updates

  • ASUS Eee PC 1000HE

    The Eee PC has a slightly faster Atom processor and a faster FSB compared to the previous models. While this is not enough for anyone to upgrade, it could certainly attract first-time netbook buyers. Read More

  • Dell Vostro A860

    When price and performance must share in compromise, few laptops on the market readily answer the call of duty. When it comes to getting high quality at an affordable price, the Dell Vostro A860... Read More

  • Dell Mini 9

    By now Dell has a full range of netbooks in sizes 9", 10", and oddly a 12" model, of which we’re looking at the smallest 9-incher here. Read More

More Reviews

More Top Lists

  • Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2009

    Yet again, Apple's professional geeks will offer up sessions and hands-on code probing and testing at Moscone West in San Francisco. The dates for 2009 are June 8-12. Read More

  • E3 Expo

    The E3 Expo - also known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo - is the one trade show to visit to get the latest news from the computer and video games industry. Read More

  • CeBIT - Hannover 3-8 March

    Unlike CES, CeBIT is open to the public, so there's no need to be a press or industry affiliate to have a look at this massive trade show, which is the largest in the world. Read More

  • International CES 2009

    Find out all you need to know about the 2009 International CES. It features 2,700 exhibitors, including companies who manufacture products or provide services for the audio, digital imaging, home... Read More

  • Mac World Conference

    Make sure to make a note about the Macworld Expo at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, January 5-9. If you're a Mac user and wish to meet equivalent people in the industry this is the place for you. Read More

More Events

More Apple

More Linux

More Microsoft

Editor's Choice

  • Top 10 Laptops for Geeky Girls

    Not everyone wants their laptops to be basic and drab. With laptops becoming more portable by the year, they're taken into the public eye and flaunted for all to see. Below is a list of the top... Read More

  • Top 10 Technologies of 2008

    Laptopical's T.J. Aaron summarizes the breakthroughs in technology of 2008. As we are nearing the end of 2008 - find out what made his Top 10 of the most successful and talked about technologies of... Read More

  • Top 10 Netbooks

    The netbook world has gotten increasingly crowded, and until the massive popularity of the form factor wanes this trend will only increase. Beyond Asus and Acer, major corporations like Dell, HP... Read More

Latest Laptopical.com tweets