Living inside a new digital age, all life revolves around technology – including education. With technology comes Wi-Fi, and good Wi-Fi is essential for easy learning, teaching and communication. 

Derby, however, is notorious for its unfavorable Wi-Fi connectivity. This choppy Derby Wi-Fi reaches inside the schools.

“In the commons, (the Wi-Fi) is good,” sophomore Analicia Lopez said. “But in places like the gym hall, K-hall and some places downstairs, it doesn’t work at all.”

Nearly every classroom has a TV or smart board that requires Wi-Fi – as well as teacher Macbooks – which include their lessons, grades and everything else necessary for their classes. Without a good connection, classes cannot continue. 

“I’ve had to hardwire the TV because of Wi-Fi and connectivity issues,” teacher Robert Shay said. “I spend probably half of a class period working on technology issues.”

Most classes require all the class work to be done on student issued chromebooks; however, when the Wi-Fi goes out, class gets stalled and students can’t access any of their work. 

“I usually play that dinosaur game on Google when the Wi-Fi isn’t working,” Lopez said. 

Some students have resorted to using a VPN on their phone just to receive service, and teachers have begun to give out more work on paper rather than online. 

At this rate – the digital age may not be the best option after all, especially in Derby.