A Failing Grade for Broadband

[Commentary] The Internet is becoming as critical to student success as textbooks and blackboards—in many parts of the country, even basic homework assignments require access to the Web. This reflects not only a greater variety of educational resources available online to students, but also the rising importance of digital literacy as a fundamental skill. But even as companies create innovative new educational technologies—like cloud-based literacy programs, Skype-based tutors, and virtual math games—many policymakers and entrepreneurs are overlooking a critical factor that stands in the way of widespread adoption of these tools: adequate and universal broadband infrastructure. Without it, people in most parts of the United States are unable to use some of the most innovative educational technologies out there. As the tech leaps ahead and our infrastructure stays the same, the problem will only worsen. Entrepreneurs often suggest that innovation can happen only when government stays out of the way. But in order for innovative education technology to have widespread adoption, the government will need to play a role in supporting the development of next-generation networks and ensuring that they are accessible to everyone, everywhere.

[Danielle Kehl is a policy researcher focusing on broadband policy, internet governance, spectrum allocation, and ICT4D at the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute. Benjamin Lennett is the policy director for the Open Technology Institute at the New America Foundation.]