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Tag: E-Rate

  • New E-rate rules could narrow the homework gap

    New E-rate rules could narrow the homework gap

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    Key points:

    Learning is mobile–but how can schools provide reliable high-speed internet for students who need devices at home, but who lack connectivity?

    In July, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the use of E-rate funds to loan Wi-Fi hotspots that support students, school staff, and library patrons without internet access.

    For an update on the 2025 E-rate, register for an eSchool News webinar featuring expert insight.

    The federal E-rate program provides discounts to help schools and libraries obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access. Over the years, the program has been modernized to focus support on bringing high-speed broadband to and within schools and libraries.  This latest action will help students gain access to educational resources that may have been previously out of reach and enable them to learn without limits.

    “I believe every library and every school library in this country should be able to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots to help keep their patrons and kids connected. It is 2024 in the United States. This should be our baseline. We can use the E-rate program to make it happen,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement.

    “That is why today we modernize E-rate to ensure that schools and libraries nationwide can loan out Wi-Fi hotspots to support high-speed internet access in rural America, urban America, and everything in between. The time to do this is now. We do not need to go back; we can go forward and make it possible for everyone to get the connections they need,” she added.

    According to an FCC announcement, the new ruling will:

    • Allow schools and libraries to use E-rate funding to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots and support high-speed internet access for students, school staff, and library patrons in both rural and urban parts of the country.
    • Adopt a budget mechanism that sets a limit on the amount of support that an applicant can request for Wi-Fi hotspots and services over a three-year period.  In the event that demand for E-rate support exceeds available funding in a given funding year, eligible on-premises category one and category two equipment and service requests will be prioritized and funded before eligible off-premises equipment and service requests.
    • Adopt numerous safeguards to protect the integrity of the E-rate program, including measures to ensure the supported Wi-Fi hotspots and services are in use, are used for educational purposes, are not funded through other sources, and are properly documented for auditing purposes.
    • Require compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

    “We commend the FCC for working to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a connected world. The approval of this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to the E-rate program, aligning it with the realities of today’s educational landscape,” said John Harrington, CEO of Funds For Learning. “Learning extends outside the classroom or library to homes, while on the go, and in every community space. This move empowers schools and libraries to bridge the homework gap, providing students with the resources they need to succeed academically, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location.”

    Harrington added: “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vital role of connectivity in education, and this decision makes it possible for more students and library patrons to gain internet access. Reliable internet access is fundamental to modern education, allowing students to participate fully in digital learning environments. This is a monumental step towards closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to educational resources for all. Funds For Learning is committed to supporting this expansion and will continue to advocate for policies that enhance the effectiveness of the E-rate program.”

    On June 6, the FCC adopted a three-year, $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, which will allow the FCC to obtain and analyze actionable data about which cybersecurity services and equipment would best help K-12 schools and libraries address growing cyberthreats and attacks against their broadband networks.

    Through the pilot, the FCC aims to learn how to improve school and library defenses against sophisticated ransomware and cyberattacks that put students at risk and impede their learning.

    The pilot will enable the FCC to gather the data needed to better understand whether and how universal service funds could be used to support the cybersecurity needs of schools and libraries and to share lessons learned with our federal partners to jointly combat this growing problem.

    Laura Ascione
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    Laura Ascione

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  • Leveraging connectivity to tackle K-12’s biggest challenges

    Leveraging connectivity to tackle K-12’s biggest challenges

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    Key points:

    Even before the pandemic, education leaders championed the necessity of strong internet connectivity in schools and communities. This need skyrocketed with the nation’s move to online and hybrid learning during peak pandemic years, and now, strong and reliable connectivity remains a must-have for every educator and student.

    A high-speed, reliable internet connection can elevate technology-driven learning and harness new learning potential, said Verizon experts during an eSchool News webinar on connectivity, moderated by eSN Content Director Kevin Hogan.

    The webinar delves into the current state of and future possibilities for technology-driven education, exploring solutions to elevate digital infrastructures while maximizing E-rate funding to foster inclusive, secure, and efficient learning environments. Paramount to the discussion is the critical role of increased bandwidth in empowering schools to harness the potential of new technologies.

    Cybersecurity is one of K-12’s biggest technology challenges–and strong connectivity can help meet this challenge. “One of the biggest things we learned during the pandemic is how we protect our kids now that we’re encouraging them to use online and digital tools. How do we make sure our kids are safe?” noted Kim Mirabella, Vice President, Business Development for Verizon.

    And with 17 million households still lacking internet access–leaving students unable to get online at home for research, homework, and other tasks–digital equity is another issue requiring a solution grounded in connectivity, particularly as funding programs expire.

    “We’ve had a lot of government programs, grant programs, and funding, but as those programs start to wind down, the problems don’t go away,” Mirabella said.

    Watch the full webinar here.

    Laura Ascione
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    Laura Ascione

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  • The looming threat that could worsen the digital divide

    The looming threat that could worsen the digital divide

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    Key points:

    In an era where technology plays a pivotal role in education, the expiration of the E-rate program’s Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) funding poses a significant threat to underserved schools and libraries. This funding, which was crucial in bridging the digital divide, now stands at a crossroads, potentially leaving many educational institutions grappling with outdated technology and hindering access to the digital resources necessary for effective learning.

    While the stakes are high and a potential crisis may be looming, there are several solutions to mitigate the impact on underserved areas as we transition to a post-ECF era.

    The role of ECF funding in schools and libraries

    For context, the E-rate program, established in 1996 as part of the Telecommunications Act, aimed to ensure affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services for schools and libraries. Over the years, the ECF component of E-rate emerged as a lifeline for schools and libraries, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities. This fund addressed the digital divide by providing financial support for broadband connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspots, and connected devices such as laptops and tablets.

    ECF funding has played a pivotal role in transforming underserved schools and libraries into tech-savvy hubs of learning. It enabled these institutions to acquire up-to-date technology, offering students and community members access to a wealth of information and educational resources. This funding helped level the playing field, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that students from all backgrounds had equal opportunities to excel when digital education was the only option to continue learning.

    The expiration threat

    Now, with the expiration of ECF funding, it brings with it myriad challenges, primarily centered around the potential exacerbation of the digital divide. Without continued financial support, schools and libraries may struggle to maintain or upgrade their technological infrastructure. This could result in a regression to outdated systems, hindering the ability of students and community members to engage in new and evolving educational needs.

    Concern also has been raised about the potential lack of access to technology becoming a far-reaching consequence for underserved communities. If educational opportunities become limited, students’ ability to develop essential digital skills necessary for success in the workforce may be hindered. Moreover, the potential digital divide is likely to extend beyond the classroom, affecting adults who rely on these institutions for access to online job searches, healthcare information, and government services. The long-lasting effects could perpetuate a cycle of poverty and limit the socio-economic growth of these communities.

    Solutions to bridge the gap

    To address the impending digital crisis, several solutions can be explored. Advocacy for the extension or renewal of ECF funding is a critical step. Policymakers must recognize the fundamental role that technology plays in education and prioritize continued support for underserved areas. Additionally, partnerships between private and public sectors can contribute to sustainable funding models that ensure ongoing access to technology for these institutions.

    Another innovative approach involves the recycling and upcycling of technology. Instead of disposing of outdated devices, schools and libraries can explore programs that refurbish and repurpose technology. Technology trade-in partners can be a valuable resource and help schools put funds back into budgets to cover the cost of new technology purchases. They are able to conduct a comprehensive assessment of a school’s device inventory, taking into account the age, condition, and compatibility with the latest software to give a clear understanding of the potential value if upcycled. That means devices that still have useful life are refurbished and put into the hands of individuals and organizations who might not otherwise be able to afford the technology.

    Sustainability also is an important consideration and technology trade-in partners can develop sustainable technology plans for schools and libraires. These plans help organizations determine the right devices to purchase, when to sell them at the optimal point in their useful life, and how to reinvest those funds into new technology. The right decisions at each step in the process can put significant money back into budgets and keep the best technology in the hands of schools and libraires. Ensuring that the digital divide is closed, and students continue to elevate their education.

    Additionally, these initiatives also can be designed to engage students, teaching them about the importance of sustainability while providing hands-on experience in refurbishing electronic devices.

    The expiration of ECF funding poses a substantial threat to the strides made in narrowing the digital divide in underserved schools and libraries. It is imperative that stakeholders recognize the vital role technology plays in education and community development. Advocacy for continued funding and utilizing technology trade-in partners are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that these institutions continue to thrive in the digital age. By addressing these potential challenges head-on, we can work toward a future where all students, regardless of their economic background, have equal access to technology and educational opportunities.

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    Diamond McKenna, Co-Founder, Diamond Assets

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