The National Broadband Map in the Unites States has revealed that whilst pretty much all schools are connected to the Internet the speeds are not adequate for the needs of schools.
The USA recently saw the release of the National Broadband Map from the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. This broadband map is able to provide a range of information about broadband access, availability, speeds, and connections across the country, including the state of broadband in schools.
According to recent reports the National Broadband Map has shown that whilst pretty much all schools are connected to the internet many have speeds that are nowhere near adequate for their needs. The NTIA said that “Based on studies by state education technology directors, most schools need a connection of 50 to 100 Mbps per 1,000 students. The data show that two-thirds of surveyed schools subscribe to speeds lower than 25 Mbps, however.”
Douglas Levin, Executive Director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association, said: “Ensuring high-speed broadband access for all students is a critical national issue and foundational to realizing our education reform and improvement goals.”
He added: “And, high-speed broadband access is particularly important in rural and remote areas where opportunities for a wider variety of courses, especially in science, are fewer. Students everywhere need access to rich educational tools and resources; teachers need access for professional development and to engage in professional learning communities; administrators need high-speed broadband access to conduct online assessments and to access data for effective decision-making. Simply put, without continued and direct investment in broadband and educational technologies, education reformers are asking schools to improve, innovate and compete with one hand tied behind their back. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure that all students have access to the tools and information necessary so that they can graduate fully prepared for college and 21st century careers,”
Source – PR-USA