Douglas County Schools Launch Rolling Hotspots Powered by Google to Support Virtual Learning
The Douglas County School District is excited to launch Rolling Hotspots as part of Google’s Rolling Study Halls program. The initiative will help local students engage in virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. By outfitting 30 Douglas County School District buses with Wi-Fi capabilities, the new hotspots will address the critical need for reliable internet access. The Douglas County Rolling Hotspots will help over 26,000 local students engage in online classroom lessons and complete assignments, staying in communities through the end of the summer.
“Despite the many challenges we face as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, education remains a critical priority,” said Trent North, superintendent of Douglas County Schools. “We are extremely grateful to Google for helping support Douglas County students with reliable internet access through hotspots; so they can continue to learn, explore and grow.”
The Wi-Fi signal will extend around 400 feet, creating a mesh network; so students can gain internet access without boarding the bus. The Rolling Hotspots are a part of Google’s Rolling Study Halls, an initiative that outfits school buses in rural communities with Wi-Fi, learning devices and onboard educator support to help students complete online homework assignments and access learning opportunities during their bus rides.
“Douglasville/Douglas County students can continue their educational journey, even during a time of crisis,” Douglasville Mayor Rochelle Robinson said. Providing Wi-Fi and other tools for our students to continue that journey is another example of Google stepping up to give back to our community. Their partnership and their efforts are more important now than ever and we truly value and appreciate our ongoing partnership. Working with this forward-thinking, civic-minded company will only help us navigate these unprecedented challenges together.”
“Throughout the years, Google has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Douglas County, and the Rolling Hotspots initiative reinforces their commitment to the citizens in our community,” Douglas County Commission Chairman Dr. Romona Jackson Jones said. “We are deeply appreciative of this tremendous investment in our students. Not only will they be empowered to successfully finish the 2019-20 school year, but this effort will have a lasting impact by shaping brighter futures for our students and families.”
Last year, Rolling Study Halls launched in Ocilla, Georgia, where Google outfitted four Irwin County school buses with Wi-Fi and onboard instructors. The Rolling Hotspots will be available to local Douglas County students beginning May 18, 2020, and will be located at five Douglas County School System schools. Each Douglas County principal has been provided with information on how to access the new rolling hotspots. For more information on the locations, and how to gain free access, students may reach out directly to their school.