Driver shortages are having a notable impact on schools across the country. Schools are being forced to reduce the number of routes available, which causes daily bus commute times to extend upwards over an over for many students.
For students who ride these long routes every day, the trip can be long and reduce the time available for homework and other school-related activities, but some districts are finding a new way to turn the daily bus trip into an educational experience.
Schools are partnering with Wi-Fi providers to make the trip to and from school each day an opportunity for students to learn.
“Many students endure a commute of up to 90 minutes one way, and those hours add up over the year … Outfitting buses with educational Wi-Fi can make a huge positive difference for many students, and it is an affordable solution for administrators looking to connect many students at one time,” Daniel Neal, Kajeet founder and CEO, told School Transportation News. “Educational Wi-Fi enabled buses extend the classroom—whether it’s for research or connecting with a teacher—each student will have ways to connect with their instructional content.”
Kajeet is a wireless provider who has launched SmartBus, a popular solution for schools looking to add Wi-Fi to their school vehicles.
“… Connectivity in non-traditional spaces is becoming increasingly relevant. Our students will benefit from Wi-Fi on the Go, transforming school buses into vehicles for learning and expanding opportunities to learn before and beyond the bell,” said Miami Dade County Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.
Radio Engineering Industries, a provider of commercial mobile electronics and fleet/passenger software systems, is steadily improving its Wi-Fi options for school buses. One way they are doing this Is by offering different data plans with the purchase of a router.
The router distributes access to up to 65 passengers. Each school has the option of blocking certain websites and requiring password logins for added safety and security.
“REI’s solution to combine Wi-Fi routers with data plans, benefits students to stay connected to their classroom while on their bus,” the company said in a statement.
