Recognising that access to wireless communications and mobility infrastructure is a key component to foster collaborative learning, Intel has unwired more than 300 universities across the region, benefiting more than 400,000 students.
This signifies a major increase in laptop PC penetration, which stood at less than 1 percent in 2003 but now exceeds 10 percent on most of these campuses, according to Intel research.
Intel's drive towards supporting wireless LAN adoption at the region's universities is part of the company's mobile initiative for learning and education.
The program was launched in 2004 and aims to accelerate the rollout of wireless networks and mobility based learning solutions to effectively integrate information and communication technology in Asia's education systems.
Through Intel Centrino mobile technology, Intel has enabled the introduction of smaller, lighter, more powerful wirelessly enabled laptop PCs that are particularly suitable for students.
A recent survey supported by Intel with 360 Asian universities also identified the motivators & barriers to implement wireless LAN and e-learning solutions.
The convenience and continuous Internet access any time and at any location was one of the most significant motivators to implement wireless LAN solutions at Asian universities.
Respondents felt empowered. They also felt hassle-free not having to deal with messy cables and plugs. A major inhibitor was the low rate of laptop PC ownership at many universities. There were also some concerns about the battery life, stability of the wireless infrastructure and the overall connection speed.
Wireless mobility solutions contribute to better education through enabling innovative teaching practices. However, e-learning initiatives are often held up by conservative and sometimes outdated teaching traditions, which do not provide incentives for trying new approaches to education.
"Nothing is more critical to Asia's future than education," said John Antone, Vice President, Intel Corporation's Sales and Marketing Group and General Manager, Intel Asia-Pacific.
"Intel's Mobile Initiative for Learning in Education will drive the adoption of wireless infrastructures and mobility in Asia which can help universities create a world-class education environment and train talents with an international perspective, thereby accelerating their countries' economic development."
Cost is still seen as a major barrier to upgrade existing IT infrastructure. In low-income countries, many universities do not have the available funds to implement wireless LAN. However, the survey also provided many examples where deploying Wi Fi based networks at universities brought down the overall cost of the IT infrastructure.
With emerging technologies such as WiMax, most of the Asian universities with large campuses will also see tremendous gains in terms of cost optimisation and efficiency.
"To boost Asian countries' global competitiveness, governments must take the lead with education-related policies that set the stage for growth. Intel is championing some of the region's most strategic education initiatives through collaborating with local governments, NGOs and academic institutions," Antone added.-PR