June 29, 2011 – This spring is one of America’s deadliest storm seasons on record. Residents who once lived in three thriving communities of Joplin, Mo., Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Ala. saw their homes and businesses destroyed in an instant by some of the most violent tornadoes ever recorded. During a storm and its aftermath, the ability to communicate is key for first responders. Two Fort Valley State University employees—Mobile Information Technology Director Terrence Wolfork and Information Technology Curriculum Specialist Yolanda Surrency, who run the Mobile Technology Center— developed a unique, cellular-based network that can help emergency workers during a crisis. Wolfork and Surrency were invited to present their findings at the National Extension Technology Conference in Denver, Colo. on June 10 to 13.
Each year, the event spotlights scholarship and research of IT experts employed at 1862 and 1895 land-grant universities. The conference, attended by 300 participants, is held jointly with the Association for Communication Excellence, an international association of educators, communicators and information technologists in agriculture, natural resources and life and human sciences.
“I enjoy sharing information that empowers my colleagues to have alternate technology solutions that increase their productivity,” Surrency said.
Surrency’s presentation, “You Go, We Follow, and It All Makes a Difference,” provided information about how to construct a functional, low cost, low maintenance and portable cellular-based network in less than 10 minutes.
“Yolanda and I talked about how to build cellular networks by using mobile broadband routers (from the Cradlepoint Company) and a Verizon MiFiCard, then configured it,” said Wolfork. “She showed information technology specialists how to set it up so 20 people could use it with no problems.” The router costs only $250, while the Mi-Fi Card is free, along with a monthly charge of $40 for Verizon Wi-Fi service.”
The information was well received. “This is new to me. I have not heard of this network solution,” were some of the comments Surrency received after the presentation.
During “Back to the Future: Lessons Learned From Utilizing Mobile Technology Centers,” Wolfork presented an historical perspective on mobile technology centers that house computers and technological equipment. He demonstrated how FVSU’s mobile unit increased the visibility of the university’s Cooperative Extension Program to national, state and community partners.
