Lack of Broaband Adoption Widens the Education Gap

An article by Navarrow

I took part in two panels panels last week. The question of how broadband access can help enhance education came up on both panels. When the question was directed to me I told the audience about a post I had written before here where I talked about how i used free online services to learn iphone app development. Whenever I tell that story to people and compare the $99 developer fee to the start-up costs of some brick and mortar businesses, it really hits home. I started thinking to myself that if people who already have access to broadband don’t know about all the educational opportunities available online then imagine what people who have not adopted broadband are missing out on. Just off the top of my head I can think of a few things:

Free Education: My Iphone development example is only one of many. Itunes has a whole Itunes U section with hours of free content available in almost any subject from some of the top universities in the country. Other sources of free and low costs content are just a Google search away. Just Think about the new skills people can acquire to create new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for themselves.
Online Degrees: I remember when people thought online degree programs were scams and had no real value but that is no longer the case. These programs allow students access to scholars from any part of the world as well as access to an enriching education experience that they otherwise would not be able to take advantage of. These degrees are recognized in the same way traditional degrees are and programs are popping up at institutions all over the country. Imagine a person who never thought that getting a degree was a reality for them who is now be able to achieve that goal with the help on a internet connection. An article I came across talks specifically about how the National Broadband Plan is aiming to help ensure that these opportunities are available to everyone. You can read about it here http://www.dotoni.com/online-education/earning-your-degree-online-growing-among-students

I truly hope that the FCC follows through our their promise of broadband access and adoption for all. Without it the ones who already are missing out on these education will continue to fall behind and the education gap will widen even more.