A bus with amplified internet connectivity will act as a wi-fi hotspot to enable distance learning for disadvantaged students in a neighbourhood in Columbus, Ohio, USA.
The bus, operated by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), will be stationed in a YMCA parking lot in Forest Park, three days a week, in June.
Able to amplify internet up to 100ft away, the bus will provide students with internet access for educational resources such as downloadable books from the Columbus Metropolitan Library and lessons from Columbus City Schools.
According to Jeff Pullin, public information officer for COTA, the Forest Park location was chosen after the school system identified a need in the area.
“I think a lot of times people think that COTA is about taking people to opportunity, but sometimes it’s about taking the opportunity to people, and that’s what we’re doing,” said Pullin.
While students are not allowed inside the bus to ensure social distancing, they are able to use technology distributed by the schools to access the internet, which includes more than 20,000 Chromebooks and over 2,000 hotspot devices.
The success and potential expansion of the pilot programme will be determined based on community usage.
The COTA bus will be parked at the North YMCA from 9am to 12pm, Tuesdays through Thursdays, up to June 25.
