For anyone who is new to the topic of G5 networks, a very important starting point is the Government of Canada’s Strategy in the matter. The white-paper is called High – Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, which was published in 2019 by the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. This strategy will set the stage for the general framework of what will be required from the provincial level and extended to institutions under its oversight. Though this document does not discuss information directed at the education sector, it does set the stage for standards that can be drawn and reflected on while exploring G5’s role in learning. The two key items that resonate in this white-paper are “equality” and “sustainability”, which does translate into items that educational institutions of any level would want to achieve in their use of 5G networks. I present this white-paper as an opportunity for you to test your abilities in the art of skim-reading. Such skills will be essential in the navigation of this course, for it is not humanly possible to read every article and their comments. The next step will be reflection. Can you envision how such a policy will change the courses you teach, the policies in your school, and the equipment requirements for yourself and your students? Feel free to post your thoughts below.
This paper attempts to address some of the questions related to accessibility and affordability, with these two items listed as priorities in the federal government’s strategy. The map on page 8 of this document is enlightening as it shows the current differences in the availability of high speed internet across Canada. With that in mind, it appears that the task of equalizing internet access for all Canadians will be as daunting as it is an important one for moving forward. Nothing has made the importance of accessibility more apparent than the current educational situations of many rural students who are facing Covid-19 restrictions and who are attempting to learn from home without adequate online capabilities. There is a digital divide in terms of internet access that may be addressed if this strategy is accomplished, but the digital divide does not only exist in terms of accessible internet. There is the question of whether 5G networks will be compatible with all devices, and if not, the differences in what devices, apps, data plans, and other services people can afford may still serve maintain this divide. There is also no mention of what the government actually deems as affordable for the average Canadian. According to this article:
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/525011/monthly-internet-costs-every-country
costs in Canada are already higher than many parts of the world, and our geography means that there will be challenges and expenses in providing equal access for all.
I honestly knew nothing about 5G before reading this. But it makes sense! (to me at least) As education and knowledge in becoming more rooted online, rural populations are having a harder time keeping up with this transition due to speed and connectivity. 5G should defiantly help with that access. Currently, I’m developing a recording technology program at my school that uses a browser-based DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). The improvement in speed and connectivity will provide students with a much better user experience in terms of workflow. I hopefully will never have to hear anyone complain about the wifi again! I wonder how much of this need is driven by northern industries like resource extraction?
Thanks for sharing!