As administrators in the Maryville City Schools prepare to deploy 5,000 devices to students in all grades this summer as part of the iREACH initiative, a partnership has developed between the schools and the Chamber to provide a directory of free Wi-Fi throughout Blount County. Blount County, Alcoa and Maryville Directors of Schools are encouraging businesses and other community organizations to sign-up through the Blount Partnership and share Wi-Fi with students who may not have access at home.
Maryville City Schools completed a survey last fall that helped identify pockets of need in the city where the percentage of students who do not have regular access to the internet is higher. Based on that data, district staff have reached out to churches, non-profits, education, and business interests, asking them to make the Wi-Fi they use during the regular school day, available in the early evenings and on weekends when students need it to complete homework and school projects.
“The response we have received so far has been overwhelmingly positive and we are encouraged that our goal to give all students access to the internet within a block or two of their homes is certainly doable,” said Maryville Director of Communication Sharon Anglim.
The Free Wi-Fi Zone partnership was announced in February at the Chamber’s Education Community Update. Each student, every school and all three districts will reap the benefits of the collaborative effort – as mobile devices, tablets, and laptops are becoming a significant focal point on the education landscape. As instructional practices shift to incorporate digital resources as part of daily student activities, students will need to use the internet at night to be fully prepared for class the next day. This directory of free Wi-Fi will go a long way to giving this new reality a head start for all students.
While some businesses already have Wi-Fi available to patrons at restaurants, coffee shops, medical offices, or churches during regular business hours, they may not have full access in the parking lot or green spaces. As part of the Free WiFi Zone campaign, businesses are asked to consider expanding Wi-Fi into the parking lot and green spaces for students to use afterhours. One great example of this is the Blount County Public Library. As a consonant education partner, the library is working to define ways to offer resources that provide students a supportive learning environment. Plans are in place to expand Wi-Fi, create collaborative meeting spaces, offer Wi-Fi hotspots for checkout to patrons, and much more. On the campus of Maryville College, K-12 students will be welcome to occupy space in the grass or seating available in the public quad, as well as parking spaces identified as part of the Free WiFi Zone.
The free Wi-Fi partnership is a win for education and the community. The hope is that business owners, pastors, administrators and managers of organizations throughout the county will register their place of business in support of great teaching and learning in Maryville, Alcoa and Blount County. Front door vinyl cling-on’s will be available to each organization that registers.
You can sign-up to participate or just view the Free WiFi directory from the Chamber or school district websites or by linking to www.bcwi-fi.com or call 865-982-7121 for more information.