E-Learning

Broadband has changed the classroom experience by helping students overcome geographical and financial barriers.  The Internet offers all students access to a wide range of educational opportunities and resources.

• New distance-learning opportunities connect teachers with students anywhere in the world for Web-based instruction and videoconferencing.
  Dan Logsdon, “Extending Internet Access to All: Government Policy Should Support Expansion of Broadband Service”, Lexington Herald- Leader, 4/30/07
• Expanding loans to deploy broadband into high-cost rural areas, could dramatically improve the lives of people in these communities by linking them to advanced education opportunities, as well as new jobs and economic growth.
  Dan Logsdon, “Extending Internet Access to All: Government Policy Should Support Expansion of Broadband Service”, Lexington Herald- Leader, 4/30/07
• High-speed broadband is likely to spur distance learning which expands educational opportunities.  Research suggests that post-secondary students taking advantage of distance education are far more likely to be employed full time and take classes part time than other students.
  Robert D. Atkinson, “The Case for a National Broadband Policy”, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, 6/2007
• A One Economy (a nonprofit which uses technology to support the needs of low-income individuals) pilot program which provides computers to low income neighborhoods found:
  • As many as 50 percent use their computers to apply for jobs, make purchases, pursue educational activities and engage in banking.
  • Over 70 percent report an improvement in schoolwork.
  • Compared to the national sample, they are more than 50 percent more likely to take a class online
  Center for Technology and Learning “One Economy Digital Communities: Transforming Lives for Low-Income Americans in San Jose   and Miami”10/6/06.
• More than 5,000 MIT classes are online at an international site.  Approximately 35 million people have tried MIT’s online courses
  Susan Kinzie, “Internet Access Is Only Prerequisite For More and More College Classes”, Washington Post, 12/31/07
• Deployment of high-speed broadband is likely to spur distance learning, making it easier for more people to engage in more online learning, the benefits of which spill over to society as a whole.
  Robert Atkinson “The Case for a National Broadband Policy”, the Information for Innovation and Technology Foundation, June 2006
• Distance learning powerfully expands educational opportunities, both for existing students and for those who may be unable to physically attend an educational institution because they are employed, have children, or live in a rural area, etc.
  Robert Atkinson “The Case for a National Broadband Policy”, the Information for Innovation and Technology Foundation, June 2006