Within the last 10 years, the world has been introduced to the importance of broadband technologies and capabilities. It was only during the 2008 Presidential Campaign, involving Senators John McCain and Barak Obama, when the country was formally introduced to the priorities of our government in broadband technology. The result of those intense Presidential Debates was a $7T (trillion dollar) infusion of federal investment dollars to create a fiber optic super highway capable of connecting municipal, healthcare and academic institutions across america. Why spend so much monty for broadband technology? Broadband is “the” enabler of innovative technology, faster voice and data speeds, larger capacities and user friendly ways to improve the lives of every American who has access to it. Broadband technologies improve our overall way of life, our business practices and how we progress individually and as a nation.
Broadband and Education
While broadband is not a tool for academic reform, it is a way for America to become dominant in the technology space while increasing our educational standards. The national goal is to allow more students access to opportunities that otherwise would not be available. For instance, academic trends in the U.S. are showing a rise in post secondary adult learners participating in educational classes as a result of broadband technologies. These are individuals that are able to sign up for online studies and participate from the comforts of their home or office. Studies are also indicating that academic enrollments will continue to rise in a rapid rates over the next few decades as a direct result of broadband technologies become more accessible to Preschool, K-12 and Post Secondary learners.
Skills Gap in America
During this recent Presidential State of the Union Address, President Barak Obama addressed the critical need to increase our broadband capabilities due to the significant number of students who have demographic disparities stemming from lack of access. These areas are communities suffering from an alarming high rate of unemployment, low high school graduation (increased high school drop out rates as well), and crime. Therefore, increasing the broadband access to early education, as well as post secondary institutions, will assist our nation with improving the demographic skills gap.
Broadband =
Economic Advancement
How does broadband increase academic advancement? Or, how does broadband close the skills gap, you might wonder? Improving technical capabilities open our student population to greater, more advanced forms of learning. Advanced technologies can increase a students performance in reading, mathematics and science. Students who have access to advanced technologies are often ready for college level courses, perform better in school, score higher on exams and are more competitive in the workforce. Creating a learning environment with 21st century technology is a breeding ground for future leaders, proudly employed citizens and overall sustainability for our economy.
Broadband & Education
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