Fast forward to 2020 : the COVID-19 pandemic hit , sending shockwaves throughout our educational system and the transportation world . How were buses to be used – if at all ? Were there any ways transportation directors could support their students while in lockdown ? An unexpected hero emerged – Wi-Fi-equipped school buses , utilized as community Wi-Fi hotspots . We watched as district leaders across the country repurposed their W-Fi solutions . Within a matter of days or weeks , buses were mobilized and parked in strategic locations throughout district communities . Community center parking lots , apartment complexes , and neighborhoods became Wi-Fi hubs , allowing students to access much-needed Wi-Fi . Parents were communicated the times and locations in which this free , filtered Wi- Fi access would be available , and they brought their K-12 students to connect to the Internet on their devices and complete their distance learning schoolwork . With a signal range of 300 feet , SmartBus allows for a sizeable group of students to connect at one time while maintaining social distancing requirements . Our K-12 district partners like Austin ISD , Beekmantown ISD , Sherman ISD , and many more led the way in repurposing this technology , inspiring other districts to see their school buses for the digital equity tools they are proven to be . School buses may have been a timely innovation during COVID-19 , but students sitting outside in parking lots to access Wi-Fi is not a long-term solution . Students must be able to connect to the learning opportunities they need , both during health emergencies and inclement weather days as well as on a consistent basis . We must work to make access to online tools ubiquitous , and to advocate for policies that encourage the expansion of wireless services . Despite the challenges , however , the commitment of the transportation community inspired us all throughout the pandemic . We witnessed transportation directors leading their staff with creativity and an eye for student well-being during an intensely stressful and unprecedented time . We saw transportation staff reach out to parents in new ways to make sure they were connected , supported , and plugged into their students ’ learning opportunities . We saw school bus drivers step up to help staff bus Wi-Fi hotspot zones – helping students connect , enforcing social distancing , and aiding in any emergency . While we certainly hope we will not have to weather another storm like the COVID-19 pandemic anytime soon , we can count on these dedicated individuals to continue to find innovative ways to support the students who need it most . And let us all take a page out of their book and work for digital equity in the communities in which we live – whether in small ways or large , every effort makes a difference for the students we serve .
Michael Flood is the general manager of education for Kajeet . Visit
www . kajeet . net for more information .
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