I think it's good news that students riding school buses might be able to do something other than sing mindless songs or attempt to get truckers to honk. Some lucky students will be able to connect to the internet and work a bit before arriving at school.
School buses and other vehicles are being equipped with wireless internet access in an emerging trend that has enormous implications for students. Proponents of the trend say wireless connectivity on buses could turn what is often a dull ride into another opportunity for learning.
In one example of this trend, a Vanderbilt University professor is helping rural students with long commutes to school by turning their buses into mobile classrooms. Students will be able to download lessons from the internet via cell-phone towers.
Billy Hudson, a professor of medicine and biochemistry, got inspiration for the project from his own childhood in rural Arkansas.
Hudson returned to his hometown recently to launch a three-year pilot study of what he calls the Aspirnaut Initiative.
In a ceremony at their school, students who have chosen to participate in the program received video iPods they will use to view educational videos and podcasts. A select group of 15 students received laptop computers that will allow them to have a back-and-forth exchange with Vanderbilt professors who are designing individualized lessons for them.
The school bus ride could definitely use an upgrade. Maybe they will also consider seatbelts and some piped in music.