The potential of technology to personalize learning, to boost achievement and to better equip learners to thrive in college and career is no secret. Yet, to realize this potential, kids must be connected. All kids. Last week, the FCC took an important first step in better aligning the E-Rate program to the potential of potential of technology to impact learning. Citing changes in the nature of connectivity, Chairman Wheeler’s draft proposal will help ensure students all students have reliable, high speed access by committing at least $1 billion in funds to support Wi-Fi networks that will connect over 10 million school students wirelessly in 2015 with an allocation for another $1 billion for 2016. In addition to expanding access, the proposed changes will also make E-Rate dollars go further, simplify the application process and prioritize consortia to drive down pricing and accelerates deployment. A report released from the FCC last week shows state by state benefits of the proposed E-Rate Modernization Order. The report also reveals that nationwide, the proposal would increase funding for Wi-Fi 75 percent for rural schools and 60 percent for urban schools, allowing an additional 44 million students and 16,000 libraries to have access to Wi-Fi services by 2019, all within existing program funding. Read more…
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