Mapping Community Wifi Access

Forsyth County Schools (FCS) in Georgia serves over 42,600 students and is the largest employer in the county with over 4,300 full-time employees and 1,300 substitutes. Out of 180 school districts, FCS is the seventh largest school system in Georgia. FCS is home to 35 schools – twenty elementary, nine middle, and six high schools which includes iAchieve Virtual Academy, FCS’ 6-12 online school. To find out more about 2014-15, read State of the Schools.

The Challenge

The majority of the district’s secondary students had mobile devices. However, students were unable to use their devices once they left the school’s wireless network and many did not have a home computer with broadband access for more complicated assignments.

The Solution

Forsyth County Schools formed a BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) Equity Task Force to study the district’s BYOT initiatives and provide solutions for achieving technology equity for all students. The Free Wi-Fi Directory is the first recommendation from the Task Force, which is comprised of school and district staff, parents, and business and community leaders.

The district partnered with the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce to create a Free Wi-Fi Directory for students. This online directory provides a list and interactive map of free Wi-Fi hotspots, sponsored by organizations and businesses in Cumming-Forsyth County. The Free Wi-Fi Directory is available at www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/wifi and also accessible from the school district and school websites.
Not only does the directory provide access to the district’s more than 39,000 students, but it provides access to all residents and visitors of our community. Interested businesses and community organizations can apply to be included in the directory through this online form and receive a 5 x 7 “free Wi-Fi” static cling to display in a prominent location at their business from the district when they are added.

Additional Resources

From Forsyth County School District:

• Forsyth County Schools Free Wifi Directory
• Forsyth County Schools Free Wifi Map
• Example Application Form for Businesses

From the U.S. Department of Education:

• Future Ready Schools: Building Technology Infrastructure for Learning

District Point of Contact

Phone: 770-887-2461
Twitter: @FCSchoolsGA