‘The Unsung Hero of my Daily Life’ Insights from a Digital Innovation Consultant in FE this World Wi-Fi Day

In today’s digital age, Wi-Fi has become an essential tool in education, transforming how students learn, and teachers educate. This allows a classroom where students can access online resources, collaborate seamlessly on projects, and engage in interactive lessons—all made possible by Wi-Fi. And yet, it has become so ingrained in our lives that we rarely give it a second thought.

Understanding Wi-fi

So, what is Wi-Fi? Many people think that Wi-Fi is the Internet or the World Wide Web. But that’s not the case.

Wi-Fi is a technology that uses radio waves to provide network connectivity. Imagine it as an invisible thread connecting your devices to the internet, allowing you to stream your favourite shows, video call your friends, or even control smart home devices with just a few taps. Wi-Fi has changed my daily life, making things more convenient, and efficient.

The Power of Connectivity

Today, on World Wi-Fi Day, we celebrate how Wi-Fi changes lives. I believe Wi-Fi isn’t just convenient; it helps society move forward. More than 5.35 billion worldwide use the internet daily, (that’s more than half the worlds population) and many depend on Wi-Fi to stay connected. But Wi-fi doesn’t just connect places; it also makes information and resources available to everyone – something I help people with every day. With the global economic value of Wi-Fi estimated to be $4 trillion and by 2025 it is expected to grow to almost $5 trillion, its importance definitely goes beyond personal and educational use.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite its numerous benefits, the use of Wi-Fi in FE does come with challenges. Issues such as capability limitations, cybersecurity threats, and ensuring equal access to all students require continuous attention and innovation. As a Digital Innovation Consultant, I work closely with colleges to address these challenges, ensuring that Wi-Fi infrastructure is robust, secure, and inclusive.

One of the most significant benefits of Wi-Fi in education is its role in bridging the digital divide. By providing internet access to underserved communities, Wi-Fi ensures that all students have the opportunity to benefit from digital learning tools.

Enhancing Education

With a recent study reporting that 73% of teachers observed an increase in engagement when Wi-Fi was integrated into their lessons, it is no wonder that Wi-Fi has become standard practice in education for students. Wi-Fi has been an integral part of my life, from studying for my GCSEs on BBC Bitesize to completing my degree through the Open University, the impact of Wi-Fi has had on my education is unmatched. And it can/is doing the same for students across the globe daily.

It can break down geographical barriers and give students access to a wealth of knowledge. It allows students to attend virtual lectures, interact with peers, and use interactive learning tools that fit different learning styles. Teachers can create customised lessons that promote critical thinking and creativity. In a recent survey, 92% of pupils reported that reliable Wi-Fi is vital for their academic success emphasising its importance for both students and teachers.

Personal Impact

For me growing up, traditional classroom learning was a struggle, and the reasons were unclear until I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the age of 19. During studies, Wi-Fi provided essential support by enabling access to various learning techniques, as different learning styles were not widely recognised at the time. For instance, searching for online tools to help with my note-taking, spelling assistance apps, and educational videos helped clarify concepts that were challenging to understand through traditional teaching methods.

However, that’s just me getting into specifics. For most of you reading this, using Wi-Fi is just a seamless part of daily life—checking today’s weather (do I need a coat…most likely in the UK), searching for recipes, playing music, and so on. Very often taken for granted, Wi-Fi is a silent yet powerful enabler of innovation and productivity.

Looking Forward

Fast forward to today, working in the education industry has further fuelled a passion for discovering effective solutions. This experience has highlighted how supportive technology can be for both students and staff. Wi-Fi has become indispensable in our daily lives, seamlessly integrated into our routines despite rarely crossing our minds. Its easy access has been key to my development, and I’m grateful to have had it available while growing up, playing a crucial role in my personal growth.

Wi-Fi offers us endless possibilities today and every day.

Happy World Wi-Fi Day!

Luce Bowen, Digital Innovation Consultant at FE Tech

Interested in upskilling your staff in digital training? Request a free consultation with one of our digital expert consultants and receive a free project plan. Register here