Schools get $9m fund
wireless Internet connections beyond the classroom, reports the TBO.com.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) last week said 20 pilot projects will receive government funding to pay for wireless broadband connections for laptops, smartphones and other mobile devices, which students will be able to take with them after the school day ends.
The programme is intended to give students - including those from low-income families who may have no other Internet service at home - access to homework assignments, study guides, digital textbooks and other educational resources outside of regular school hours.
Called 'Learning on the Go', these pilot programmes have been testing different technologies for their efficacy in the learning environment, according to Future Gov.
The pilot, which includes a total of 35 000 students, is in line with the National Education Technology Plan that proposes every student and teacher have access to an Internet-enabled device.
Said Julius Genachowski, FCC chairman: “We are being careful to make sure we are funding only a limited number of projects, so we can determine effectively whether and how off-premises wireless services should be eligible for continued E-rate support.”
The pilot will fund connections in elementary and secondary schools in New Orleans, Philly and Canton, with each city getting something a little different, Hot Hardware states.
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