As part of a new initiative to prepare the school for its upcoming one-to-one device plan, Westford Academy’s technology department decided it was time to rethink the school’s Internet connection. After years of student complaints about Internet speed, WiFi connectivity, and Hearthstone being blocked, administration sought out a better, more modern solution.
“It took years of research,” explained the director, “but I think we finally found something that students will be happy with.”
On Monday morning AOL trucks rolled up behind the gym, wielding hundreds of phone lines to bring dial-up to Westford Academy. They stormed into each classroom, hooking up modems, Windows 98 PCs, and old CRT monitors.
An impromptu professional development day was called to prepare teachers to use the new technology. After the computers finally booted up, the new infrastructure launched early Wednesday. The hall echoed with the noises of dial-up modems contacting the mothership, and a sudden adversity to incoming calls spread through the school. Fortunately, the change was well-received by the student body, who experienced massive increases in Internet speeds.
“You know, I actually think this might be a bit faster,” commented one student, whose phone took only 6 minutes to load Facebook. “My text messages actually arrive in the right decade now.”
“I feel much safer in an emergency with this new system,” explained another. “My parents would probably get my panicked calls only a few days after they’re relevant.”
Administration could be found sitting in their offices after the switch, self-assuredly typing up reports on their new PARC-compliant Internet connection. Students have already embarked on their conquest for the password to “DialUp-C.”
