The White House recently unveiled its new ConnectEd Initiative, which calls on the FCC to connect 99 percent of the nation’s schools with high-speed broadband service within the next five years. The Initiative’s main goals include improving access through the following methods:
- Upgrading Connectivity – The President plans to work with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to leverage existing programs and connect America’s schools.
- Training Teachers – ConnectEd will focus on helping teachers integrate new technologies into the classroom. These technologies will allow teachers to participate in online professional development, utilize real-time assessments and online lessons, and open their classrooms to interactive demonstrations, discussions and presentations.
- Encouraging Private Sector Innovation – The White House will also focus on encouraging private sector investments in devices that utilize high-speed broadband networks. These devices will give students greater access to online tools including richer content, foreign language instruction, and one-on-one academic assistance.
Focusing on these areas will help students learn important job skills in the classroom and will help the United States maintain a globally competitive workforce.