Introduction
The current primary/secondary or K-12 learning model has adapted from traditional textbook-based teaching styles to now utilizing digital content, adaptive techniques, 1:1 computing, smart displays, and the latest developments in EdTech. This switch, which enables personalized learning has put an increased pressure on the network to perform at the utmost level of security and reliability. Schools can take advantage of emerging educational technology to meet the teaching needs while adhering to austere budgets. As school districts integrate new 21st century learning styles into their curriculum, the network must just as easily integrate with the student directory and provide bandwidth where and when it is needed.
Critical Technology Issues
Delivering High-Speed Digital Content eTextbooks and video present high quality learning content at lower cost than traditional textbooks, but require high speed, ubiquitous Wi-Fi to connect every mobile device. Edge switches provide backhaul from Wi-Fi access points and connect wired devices to the network. High availability or fault tolerance are important to insure uninterrupted. To operate smoothly, there can be no bottlenecks from the Wi-Fi access points, back through the wired switches, and all the way to the broadband Internet connection and the data center.
Protecting Student Safety and Privacy
In the era of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and 1:1 computing, mobile student devices have an important role in personalized learning with digital content delivery, flipped classrooms, eTextbooks, adaptive learning, and the concept of competency-based education. The cloud-driven network must selectively connect authorized devices and block unauthorized ones. This requires comprehensive policy enforcement based on device type, user, location, time of day, and many more attributes. Network integration with web filters and firewalls is also important. The cloud-driven network must be capable of both controlling all devices and network activity.
