Wi-Fi is wireless technology that lets you use your laptop or PDA while you’re out and about. It means you don’t have to physically plug your computer into an outlet to be able to access the internet.

"Hotspots" are public places where the internet can be accessed in this way. Around the world hotspots are popping up in all sorts of places such as cafes, pubs, fast food outlets, conference centres, airports – even plains, trains and buses! Some Australian universities are already installing hotspots. The implications for educational practice are enormous.

To find out more about Wi-Fi technology check out the resource:

All you need to know about Wi-Fi

How to tap into a Wi-Fi Hotspot
Most new laptop computers and PDAs come with wireless capability built in, but if you have an older model you can get a WiFi networking card installed.

Find out where your nearest hotspot is by going here –

http://www.jiwire.com/search-wifi-hotspots.htm

and searching under "Australia".

Now, get yourself down to your hotspot, buy a coffee or a beer and turn your computer on (careful - don’t make the mistake of plugging it into anything!).

Open up your web browser as normal, then follow the prompts that appear on your screen. You can create a WISP account (Wireless Internet Service Provider), pay as you use or prepay for your Wi-Fi internet access.

Australia has four major WISPs and each hotspot is provided by a different one. You will have to bear this in mind when you decide on which one/s to set up an account with or how you choose to pay for your internet access.