15 October 2008
In an Australian first, Monash University students travelling on some regular inter-campus bus services are staying connected to the internet, emails and their education thanks to a new partnership between the University and Vodafone.
Bus services that transfer up to 60,000 Monash students a year between the Clayton, Berwick and Peninsula campuses in Melbourne have been fitted with new in-vehicle broadband internet access.
Vodafone delivers internet services to student passengers by creating a free mobile on-board wi-fi hot spot via Vodafone's 3G HSDPA network.
Monash University's Deputy Vice Chancellor Adam Shoemaker said the initiative demonstrated the University's commitment to embracing the latest e-learning technology for students, as part of the Monash Passport.
"Students already enjoy wi-fi access in most parts of Monash University campuses. Now they can also go wireless as they travel between some campuses as well," Professor Shoemaker said.
"With the average travel time between campuses at about 40 minutes, we wanted students to spend their time more efficiently and to take control of their learning by checking emails from classmates or tutors, researching online or downloading lecture podcasts while on the road.
"Monash University is continually looking at ways to take learning beyond the campus and to provide our student with flexible study options in keeping with global trends.
"The wireless buses not only have educational advantages but environmental benefits too. Given the rising cost of petrol, many students use the bus services to get to class and we hope this encourages even more students to get on board."
Students can use not only laptops while travelling but any mobile device that can access wi-fi networks, such as the iPhone.
For Behavioural Neuroscience student Katherine Hoogenboom the biggest advantage of the free wireless internet access was being able to access online services in-between campuses.
"I use the bus service everyday to get between campuses and it is fantastic I can now be online and studying while I am traveling. I am making the most of my time to stay on top of my work," Ms Hoogenboom said.
Paul Guerra, Vodafone's General Manager for Victoria and Tasmania said the project marked an exciting development for students and demonstrated the University's willingness to adapt to the changing needs of tertiary students.
"The project offers student the opportunity to make the most of now, and delivers more options for planning how they will structure their study timetables. We look forward to working with Monash on similar initiatives in the coming months," Mr Guerra said.
The wireless bus initiative was part of the Wireless Everywhere project, which aimed to create seamless wireless coverage across every part of every Monash campus within the next 18 months.
For more information, or to obtain images of the buses, contact Shaunnagh O'Loughlin at Monash University on +61 448 574 148 or shaunnagh.o'loughlin@adm.mo nash.edu.au. | 
