Education
There are strong correlations between education and economic success , but how does broadband impact the attainment of knowledge and skills ? Broadband , and information and communication technologies more broadly , can support students through access to informative resources and customizable lessons that help them learn according to their own interests and abilities . Through learning activities enhanced by broadband , students will develop proficiencies that not only offer improvements in academic outcomes , but also skills that can help them navigate an increasingly digital world .
Broadband can also bring a world of prospects to students in ways never before possible . Small school districts and rural schools stand to benefit immensely . On their own , these entities lack the ability to tap into the types of expertise and information locally that are available from virtual interaction with educators in the arts , science and industry . Career exploration for students all along the K-12 continuum can help identify new and exciting careers . Broadband provides the necessary avenue to do more than read a book or watch a video . It can light the pathway to innovation in young minds .
Higher education , especially inclusive of the community and technical colleges , serves as the conduit for delivering a highly skilled and well-trained workforce . Relating to broadband , these institutions will help prepare the workers that will build out and maintain the requisite infrastructure but also continue to provide access to skills and credentialing as careers progress . These occur in a context where college enrollments are changing in demographic makeup and desired interaction and outcomes . Institutions will have to adapt .
Workforce
As within the education system , broadband will change how both firms and individuals find opportunities for work and training . Reliable broadband technologies allow a greater swath of employees to participate in telework — no matter their location . It can also facilitate more flexible work arrangements for employees and increase the available talent pool for firms . Once those workers become employees , especially for smaller firms , they have training options through a wider variety of resources than otherwise would be available .
Together , firms and education providers can build rightsized training options for short-term openings and longterm goals such as recruitment , retention and growth . The breadth and reach of these activities are both facilitated and made more effective by broadband technologies .
Business and Government Applications
Businesses and government have the incentive to stay on the leading edge . Financial incentives and market pressures dictate that firms have access to information in real time and engage both customers and suppliers across the globe . Broadband provides the medium that firms and entrepreneurs can fashion into new products and platforms that help businesses thrive . Governments feel similar pressure , although the demands and incentives are less direct . Broadband provides them with the ability to engage their citizens , provide information and deliver services efficiently and in ways that extend beyond traditional office schedules .
64 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE