Some Optimistic News

FCC Pushes For Universal Broadband Access

This news story aired on NPR's All Things Considered on February 9, 2011.

I heard this story on the radio yesterday afternoon, then it repeated again this morning, and I must say I got really excited of the prospect of universal broadband internet access.  I'm sure there are districts where access isn't really an issue, but teaching in a rural district with many families living without a broadband (or any) internet connection has limited the extent to which I can force technology into my curriculum.  I have to book the computer lab and allow plenty of work time during my class for many assignments and projects that could be completed outside of the classroom if everyone had access.  The subsidies worked so well for building telephone infrastructure that it is unheard of to not have a home telephone; broadband internet is the obvious next step.  I realize that this wouldn't happen overnight, but I still can't help be excited about the prospect of universal broadband access.  Let's get this going!  With the access available, we can take one more excuse off the table for parents and students to use for not fully participating fully in their education.