FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel: The Collision of E-Rate Reform and Quality Educational Content

I think we need to resist the easy temptation to dismiss the possibilities of so many new screens, connections, and technologies. Because the fundamental issue is the same. It is not a question of whether or not children will learn from these new digital platforms. They will. The question is what could they learn?

We need to seize the possibilities for good in these new media platforms. Just like what was done with television more than four decades ago. Think about how the work of the Carnegie Commission spurred the development of Sesame Street. Think about how that made quality preschool programming viable -- and widely available. Think also about how the Children’s Television Act spurred the development of more educational programming by requiring a minimum of three hours per week on stations using the airwaves. And then ask what we can do now to stimulate more quality digital age educational content -- and make it more widely available. I think the E-Rate reform effort and the interests of quality educational content collide -- in the best possible way. By bringing really high-speed broadband to every school in every community across the country we will create new opportunities for educational content at new scale. This scale has the potential to stimulate a new market for digital educational media.