Data Evaluation
The evaluation will include regular and on-going measurement of program progress against the project benchmarks for each goal.

Infrastructure
This project will utilize a hybrid system of both long and short haul broadband wireless solutions to provide high throughputs of wireless connectivity to the test sites

Project Goals and Outcomes
The goals of this project include the installation of a wireless, high-bandwidth network to test the educational potential of various delivery models on K-12 schools.

Content and Delivery Model
This project will test the capabilities of broadband wireless technology and measure its effect on teaching and learning process.

Data Collection

The methodology of this aspect of the project is multi-faceted. Final and specific evaluation questions are not yet set, however below are themes to be explored. All instruments created will be submitted to IRB prior to data collection. The data will be collected in the classrooms/schools, and from the network itself. Survey data will be collected in either paper or online form. Interviews and focus groups may be audiotaped and/or videotaped. Tapes will remain in possession of the project evaluator, Dr. Laurie Mullen. However, teachers may be asked to review classroom videotapes for assessment purposes as well as to review for issues related to image capture and parental permissions.

Data collection themes related to teacher participants

Classroom technology integration
Student learning in relation to delivery models
Current assessment strategies

Data collection themes related to student participants

Preferred method of content delivery (survey, interview)
Prior computer technology experiences (survey)
Interest in content delivered (survey, interview)
Student products as outcome of lessons/unit
Use of network outside of school

Network and Home Data Collection and Analysis

Phase One: Installation

During summer of 2004, Ball State University's Information Technology network division will deploy, operate, and maintain a wireless network to deliver content to Cowan and Mitchell schools. Personnel from Ball State University's Information Technology division will work with university representatives to provide a troubleshooting and technical support system.

Infrastructure Description

This project will employ a hybrid system of both long and short haul broadband wireless solutions for the purpose of providing high throughputs of wireless connectivity linking Ball State University, Cowan School, and Mitchell School to resources at Ball State University in specific, and the Internet in general.

The deployment shall first establish a direct wireless trunk connection linking the Ball State University Campus Network to the Mitchell School Network. Via this trunk, connectivity to Ball State and the Internet will be incorporated into Mitchell School's existing network infrastructure for the purposes of exchanging content with Ball State and the Internet as described in the overall project. The deployment additionally establishes a long haul wireless trunk linking the Ball State University Campus Network to the Cowan School Network. This will allow the participation of Cowan School in exchanging content as described in the overall project with Ball State University and Mitchell School. This trunk will extend more than seven (7) miles from Ball State to the existing fire department communications tower located on the Cowan School grounds. Coordination for a site survey and a feasibility test is planned.

Phase Two: Network Performance
During the project, Ball State University's Information Technology network division will monitor network activity to determine network performance trends and to prevent network problems. A subset of this data will be stored, without personal identifying information, for Ball State University to use for research analyses.

Data collected will include (1) network traffic (speed and network performance data) and (2) access to relevant content available through the project portal.