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The looming threat that could worsen the digital divide

eSchool News

Key points: Without continued funding, schools and libraries may struggle to maintain or upgrade technological infrastructure See article: 3 ways the E-rate program helps level up learning See article: Will cybersecurity receive E-rate funding?

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Revised Federal Edtech Plan Calls for Closing Digital Divides

Edsurge

The plan separates technological divides — barriers that block some students from full participation — into access, design and use. Ultimately, some hope this plan will move the conversation beyond what access students have to tech and toward discussion about how effective that tech actually is in learning.

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OPINION: College in a pandemic is tough enough — without reliable broadband access, it’s nearly impossible

The Hechinger Report

Sadly, though, the reality is that millions of Americans — in rural and urban areas alike, and including many underrepresented minorities — lack the reliable broadband connections needed to access postsecondary and K-12 education in a nation that remains in partial lockdown. Related: How to reach students without internet access at home?

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After Net Neutrality, Experts Expect Changes to FCC’s E-Rate

Edsurge

It’s no great overstatement to say that the Federal Communications Commission’s recent decision to rollback net neutrality protections has shaken the education community’s faith in open and equitable internet access for all students. But the tea leaves for E-Rate are pretty positive actually.

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Funding Edtech with the E-Rate Program and Grants

edWeb.net

As schools and districts strive to meet their existing technology needs and prepare for the future, access to federal and state funding, along with other grants, is making a major difference in whether students engage in 21 st century learning or are left behind. Accessing the E-Rate and Matching State Funds.

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Millions of Students Are Still Without WiFi and Tech—Why Haven’t Policymakers Stepped Up?

Edsurge

They just weren’t ready for distance learning, and a big part of that was that too many students lacked adequate WiFi access to get to virtual class. 1560 , and proposed adding sections designed “to close the digital divide in California.” Cases like 2020’s Cayla J. Federally, mandates do exist for schools and districts.

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Digital divide hits small towns hard

eSchool News

While 96 percent of Americans in urban areas have access to fixed broadband, only 70 percent of New Mexicans have broadband access at home. In rural communities, the problem is even worse — only one in three can access the internet at home. However, students may have no internet access when they get home.