On NPR today: a White House directive to the FCC, to explore ways of getting high-speed internet to all of America's schools by 2018. It's called ConnectED.
I had no idea that only 57% of America's schools have access to high-speed internet because of location or limited technology. That means 43% of American schools -- not students, schools -- don't have access to the internet.
The White House also wants teachers better trained to use technology to accomplish academic outcomes; and it called on businesses like Microsoft, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and Comcast to invest in tech infrastructure to ensure that all communities and schools have equal access to the internet.
There's been a lot in the news lately about Net Neutrality, the concept that businesses should not be permitted to charge tiered fees for various internet speeds. Without it, only the "haves" will possess fast, reliable access to communication and information.
We can't afford "have-not" schools. Businesses that make money from cell phones and internet usage should be willing to invest some of that money in serving the public; and it serves their long-term interest as well.
That's really interesting. I would never have thought the percentage would be so high for schools that lack access to high speed internet. I guess if I had thought about it for a minute, it would have made sense, because if there are school out there that can't afford text books for all of their students, it certainly must be true that they also lack basic technology that many of us take for granted every day. There are programs where people can get cell phones if they receive government benefits, it seems like they should be able to something like that for schools.
ReplyDelete