The federal push to provide all students with high-speed broadband and mobile devices is kicking into high gear, with over a billion dollars pledged for school technology and an overhaul of the program that provides discount internet access. The Federal Communications Commission is scheduled to complete its modernization of the E-rate program this fall. Updates include shifting funding from outdated technology—such as pagers—to build broadband and Wi-Fi networks to give all schools high-speed internet access, the main goal of President Barack Obama’s ConnectED initiative. Equitable access to technology will help districts close learning gaps, Richard Culatta, director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology, told DA in an interview. Better broadband and Wi-Fi connections will allow schools to create more individualized blended learning programs and access high-quality digital software for students, he says. Read more…
↧