Wireless Innovation for Every Student
The Rhode Island Wireless Innovation Networks (RI-WINs)—BIF's effort to make Rhode Island the first state in the country with a border-to-border, broadband wireless network—is passionate about the many ways in which a statewide network can enhance the educational experience.
We believe that opportunities for learning are everywhere. RI-WINs will enable educators and students to transform everyday activities into learning opportunities by providing vital connectivity and seamless mobility between geographic locations across the state.
Imagine the new learning models possible on a platform that enables a student or teacher to be connected anywhere, anytime.
Current Applications
RI-WINs has kicked off its efforts with two projects that begin to explore how wireless can create a better experience for students:
Brown University Mobile Higher Education
With the cooperation of the Rhode Island Department of Education, Brown University MAT students are integrating RI-WINs into their lesson plans for classes they teach in the K-12 curriculum. Participating MAT Students have been provided with wireless access to the RI-WINs network and are exploring ways to use their new connectivity to enhance the learning experience of their students.
BIF/FIRST Partnership
BIF, together with Rhode Island's education and science and technology leadership, is leading a project to bring Dean Kamen's FIRST Vex™ Challenge to each of Rhode Island's public high schools. Rhode Island will be the first state in the nation to offer a FIRST program statewide. BIF will also help FIRST use the Rhode Island program as a lab for testing the program's potential for national expansion. The first year of the program will culminate in a statewide competition that enables teams from across the state to showcase their work and be recognized for their accomplishment. RI-WINs will be the official network for the BIF/FIRST partnership and play an instrumental role in facilitating the landmark event.