The Broadband Buzz: High-speed Internet access opens opportunities for learning. – Bruce Buchanan

http://www.asbj.com/specialreports/0903SpecialReports/S2.html

Article Critique by Tracy Bell

SLM 521

This article addresses the need for school districts to invest in providing "broadband" or high speed internet to all schools. This feat poses quite a few problems for school districts even though most schools are providing the minimum broadband connection such as the T-1 line and  DSL. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) study, 85% of public schools have broadband access. This access is usually found in schools with a high population of children that receive free and reduced lunch and where there is a high minority population. Advantages of having broadband are discussed. These include its speed, and the ability to go beyond just reading information but to listening to audio clips and viewing video. Having broadband connection also allows for online and distance learning. The author cites studies that argue whether broadband is really needed when teacher to student ratio is high, textbooks are in need of repair and the money needed to upgrade and  maintain the networks is often unavailable.  Some school systems in the US use high school technology students to help maintain system which in turn saves them money in the long run.

  I agree with the article that upgraded broadband access is needed in our schools.  We currently have a T1 line in my school and it is quite slow and often ineffective when a majority of the students are using internet at the same time.  The point concerning putting so many financial resources into technology without thought for training of the teachers, equipment repair and maintenance is well taken but in order for our children to take advantage of the resources available through the internet such as United Streaming, upgraded broadband access must be provided.  I also feel that without the high speed access our teaching methods will also become obsolete.  Children growing up now are demanding that we come up with the times and stimulate them with streaming videos and audio clips.  High speed internet is much needed and we can't do without it. School administrators must channel resources into technology training for our teachers and updated equipment for use by everyone.

Buchanan, Bruce (2003). The Broadband Buzz: High-speed Internet access opens opportunities for learning, American School Board Journal, September 2003. Retrieved February 12, 2006 from source.