In late September of this year, the FCC made some changes opting to take E-rate on the road which would allow for schools and libraries to extend their high-speed broadband access at “affordable” rates beyond the walls of the classroom and into students' homes. Chairman of the FCC, Julius Genachowski, outlined these changes prior to the public meeting and vote which occurred on September 23. The E-Rate program will allow for 'School Spots' by using funds gathered from different telecom entities such as, Universal Service Fund. These pooled funds will subsidize access to telecommunications and Internet services by schools and libraries to present discounted rates outside of the school.
According to an FCC survey, about 78% of E-Rate recipients do not have sufficient broadband speeds that meet the expectations and demands of kids, their teachers and classroom needs. These changes will allow for increased options and a mobile pilot program for off-campus wireless connectivity for mobile devices. Not to mention, it will allow schools and libraries to utilize untapped fiber in the state, regional and local nets, while also avoiding higher-cost options.
Schools and libraries that do receive federal E-Rate funding will be required to submit proof that they have implemented internet safety education programs along with their E-Rate applications, according to a new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Nov. 5. Robert McDowell, FCC commissioner states, '…because children use the internet so extensively both at home and at school, "it is imperative that they be educated regarding the dangers that they may encounter online. Schools can play a critical role in supplementing this education."
This provision to E-Rate funding and schools being responsible for training the students on Internet precautions stems from the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act that Congress approved late last year. This revised act held within it a stipulation that schools will need to educate students on safe and appropriate behavior and online platforms, however, but lawmakers issued no immediate guidance to enforce the provision.
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Understanding E-Rate eligibility related to Cloud Computing and Internet Access Services
Included among the many updates to E-Rate for 2011-12 is clearer guidance and clear precedence on the eligibility of varied web hosting services. A Cloud Computing solution can now be E-Rate eligible. Join us for an informative discussion on the new possibilities with Cloud computing and E-Rate.
| Date: | Jan 20, 2011 |
| Time: | 2 pm EST |
| Duration: | 45 minutes |
| Cost: | Free |
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LaunchPad: E-Rate Fundable! Plus, its the Only Learning Desktop that Raises Student Performance by Design
LaunchPad™ is the future of instructional technology providing 24/7 access to all files and applications for students, teachers and administrators to log on through the web for a complete and virtual extension of the classroom from any computer with an internet connection. Use existing hardware with LaunchPad™ to fully utilize current software and dramatically decreases in-school technical support requirements.
LaunchPad creates a dynamic desktop to provide consistent and reliable access so teachers and students can work with ALL your school’s existing applications from ANY computer, ANYWHERE. With additional classroom management tools, LaunchPad’s Everywhere 1to1™ computing will instantly transform your school’s technology capabilities. This easy to implement and easy to learn software will require minimal disruption when installation is quickly completed by ClassLink Professionals. Plus, training is included!
To read more and access proposed changes to the E-Rate program, please click here.
Sources:
FCC Takes E-Rate on the Road by John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable, September 20, 2010
FCC proposes web-safety education rules by Laura Devaney, eSchool News, November 9, 2009
COMING SOON!! COMING SOON!!
We've been hard at work here at ClassLink, to bring you INVENTIVE new product deliverables!
The new & vastly improved version of LaunchPad is on its way (to be released January 2011)! We are also creating a fresh new ClassLink website to convey what were all about: relatable, reliable and fervent in what we set out to accomplish.
Keep an eye out for these upcoming transformations!