Stories

May
11
2023

Teacher Appreciation Week Q&A: How One Teacher Is Helping to Bridge the Digital Skills Gap

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, we sat down with one educator who goes above and beyond for her students – especially when it comes to strengthening their digital skills. Having digital skills is crucial, especially when you’re entering the workforce. However, about one-third of Americans do not have basic digital skills – using a computer, accessing the internet, and sending email – that are now considered essential by most employers. 
Issues: Distance Learning
boy participating in distance learning
Aug
31
2022

Access to Distance Learning – How Students Are Staying Connected

Over the course of a week in March 2020, schools across the country had to unexpectedly close their doors amidst the start of the COVID pandemic. Teachers, students, parents, and schools were caught off guard during this transition to distance learning – especially given that some households did not have access to high-speed internet. Fortunately, broadband providers, businesses, schools, community organizations and governments quickly came together – through a variety of programs and initiatives – to get families connected to the internet so they can access distance learning. 
Issues: Distance Learning
child participating in e-learning
Nov
11
2021

Bridging the Digital Divide: How Broadband Kept Us Learning During COVID

While the COVID pandemic disrupted every facet of our lives, few areas were as affected as education. After the onset of the pandemic, over a hundred thousand schools across the United States were forced to close their doors long term, leaving some 55 million teachers and students scrambling to keep vital lines of communication open. This unprecedented situation threatened to wreak havoc on our education system and cause harm to students who didn’t have an internet connection at home.
Issues: Broadband InfrastructureDistance LearningRural Broadband
A woman smiles while on a conference call
May
12
2021

Connectivity Counts: How Broadband Providers Are Continuing to Close the Digital Divide

The public-health crisis of the past year has made it clear: broadband internet is an essential service and while millions of Americans have relied on their broadband connections for work, school and to stay connected with loved ones, some Americans still do not have access to high-speed connections. Broadband providers leaped into the breach, launching a series of programs in partnership with governmental agencies and community organizations to get families connected and close those gaps. And now, those same providers are working with the Federal Communications Commission in a promising new initiative: the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.
Issues: America's Wi-FiDistance LearningRural Broadband