While many educators are excited about the possibilities
online and blended learning have to offer, digital access continues to be a
stumbling block.
“Across the country, within many—if not the majority—of
states, there are still areas where broadband access is very, very limited, and
oftentimes these are schools and students who would most benefit through online
and blended learning,” said David Teeter, director of policy for the
International Association for K-12 Online Learning during an Internet
Innovation webinar on broadband in education. “That gap still exists,
unfortunately.”
Having broadband is the logical and necessary first step to adopting
online and blended learning, but progress is being made. For instance, 30
states currently have virtual schools or initiatives, 30 states and Washington,
D.C., operate more than 200 virtual charter schools, and 70% of school
districts in the U.S. offer online courses to students, according to a list of
statistics Teeter provided.
When broadband access is available, educators are able to
use data systems and platforms to support learning. Broadband use will also make
it easier for schools to prepare for the expected shift from printed textbooks
to digital formats and make educational records more consistent across school
and state lines.
“[These are] really exciting opportunities, but it’s really
important that schools, districts, and states make sure the broadband capacity
is in place to enable this,” Teeter said.
