School needs to teach kids how to live in the world, and having access to high-speed internet makes it possible—and better in so many ways. Information from Speed Matters.org, told us how.
Having access to high speed internet has the power to enhance every level of education. Even kindergarteners need internet exposure these days, and all grade levels through high school to college to graduate school can make the most of the knowledge available to improve their education and schoolwork. With all the advances in information and communications technology since most of us were in school, education is no longer confined to the classroom. For example, virtual field trips take students on tours of faraway places such as to our nation’s capitol and the streets of foreign cities, or even to the depths of oceans and to the far reaches of outer space…with internet speed.
Imagine utilizing new broadband-enabled educational tools for remote collaboration among fellow students on projects, videoconferences with teachers, access to education specialists and access to resources school libraries remotely, including digital videos and high-volume data files. The educational advantages possible with high speed Internet are indispensable to students preparing to enter the 21st Century workforce. Students with limited or no access in their formative elementary school years are certain to fall behind. Computer skills must go beyond technical competency, to include higher-level skills such as critical thinking and problem solving as well as the creative use of technology. The earlier every student in America is connected to high speed Internet, the brighter our country’s future will be.
Students with little exposure to digital technologies translate to adults with limited career opportunities. Workers lacking technological versatility put the American workforce at a competitive disadvantage within the world economy.
Tags: Digital Divide, High Speed Internet, Internet Speed, Internet Speed Matters