Whether on or off campus, a strong internet connection is on every student’s back to school list this Fall semester.
With nearly three-fourths of classes online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, UF is improving its internet speeds and prepping for potential outages to ensure things run smoothly on campus. Off campus, internet providers for local apartment complexes are beefing up network capabilities and libraries are offering computer access.
UF has worked with Canvas, Zoom, Microsoft and Google to meet the demands of an online campus, said UF Information Technology vice president and chief information officer Elias Eldayrie. All of UF’s on-campus computers have adequate software, power and storage to meet the growing demands of online learning.
In past semesters, UF sites have been able to handle more than 50,000 users at a time, Eldayrie wrote in an email. UF IT systems performed optimally with minimum interruption when tested in case of unforeseen disasters, he added.
In the wake of a national Zoom outage on Aug. 24, UF Computer & Information Science & Engineering professor Joshua Fox said he planned possible alternatives, like pre-recording a lecture or using a different video chat platform, in case it happens again.
But he isn’t worried about connectivity issues this upcoming semester. Fox also acknowledged that his department has it easier than most.
“I’m sure courses in other departments face a larger challenge,” he said. “For example, if a student needs specialized lab equipment or has to mix some chemicals together, or has to participate in some theater production with other students.”
Acting assistant professor Ryan Hope Travis said many things taken for granted in acting classes are now under revision. He acknowledged that a conversation about internet reliability for students was incomplete without mention of equity in internet access.
“There's a sensitivity to how we enter that classroom and acknowledging that there is no uniform expectation that because you're at UF, you have the means to even have access,” Travis said.
Cox Communications, a major internet provider in Gainesville, has increased total data capacity by 50% in Gainesville to accommodate network issues, Cam Johnson, the Cox Southwest Regional Manager of Public Affairs, wrote in an email. Cox supplies connections to various apartment complexes, such as Lexington Crossing, Gainesville Place and The Enclave.
“We’ve already seen a noticeable increase in total network traffic since the start of the pandemic,” Johnson wrote. “Everything is running smoothly overall.”
Another off-campus internet resource is the Alachua County Library District, which has five locations in Gainesville.
People can schedule a one-hour appointment to use computers and other technology at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Community members will receive a health screening, including a temperature check, and must wear a face covering and social distance.
On campus, UF students can still use their GatorLink login to connect to the Eduroam campus wireless network at UF. Eduroam allows for internet access inside and outside of buildings on UF’s main campus, Gainesville Regional Airport and other UF buildings throughout the state.
Campus libraries opened only to UF faculty, staff and students beginning Aug. 28, along with anyone else who has an active UF ID card, said Patrick Reakes, George A. Smathers Libraries senior associate dean. Electronics like public computers, scanners and printers will be accessible, along with the regular selection of books.
The “virtual services” section grants access to electronic resources, allowing students to do research, access materials or check out books without having to enter a building.
Alongside a new FAQ page, which addresses things like entrances, eating and reserving rooms, the website’s “Ask-a-Librarian” service now has extended hours and more personnel standing by to answer questions in real time.
Library guidelines mandate that students wear a mask while inside, as stated on the FAQ page.
Students without a face covering will not be allowed in. To promote social distancing, there will be a 25% capacity limit in all UF libraries.
“We're doing everything that we can do,” Reakes said. “It's just a really weird environment.”
