Some recent comments from the FCC are encouraging. Several documents and position statements can be found at the FCC web site.
Take note of the new services that can be provided with e-rate support (FCC Gives School E-rate Programs More Flexibility to Allow Community Use of Broadband Services). I understand the regulations schools are allowed are allowed greater flexibility in making school facilities available to the general public.
Also note the Chairman Genachowski’s Remarks, “Mobile Broadband: A 21st Century Plan for U.S. Competitiveness, Innovation and Job Creation”
Mobile Broadband in Education
Last week, a New York Times article described an Arizona school district that installed Wi-Fi on one if its school buses. The bus was instantly transformed into a rolling study hall. And if anyone ever doubts the power of mobile broadband tell them this: the driver says that bus of high school kids is now quiet
My reaction to the enthusiasm for the educational potential of smart phones and netbooks has been curbed by the reality that data plans and broad band access are necessary to do much outside of the school setting. Even in those cases where schools move to some form of 1:1 access from home is often an issue and often an issue for those students who struggle because of lack of education-relevant life experiences outside of the school.
A device that can be used in a library or school outside of school hours is a new opportunity, but not the type of opportunity most of us enjoy where ever we happen to be.
