National Broadband Plan Emphasizes E-Learning, Revisions to the E-Rate

The National Broadband Plan released recently by the Federal Communications Commission outlines a number of recommendations that could directly affect K-12 schools: revamping the federal E-rate program to offer more flexible use of the aid and streamline the application process; removing technological and policy barriers to online coursetaking; and improving the collection and transparency of educational data.

Ed-tech advocates welcomed those and other recommendations, but many are skeptical that the plan will be implemented anytime soon. The plan itself is a recommendation, not a mandate, and while some of the suggestions fall under the jurisdiction of the FCC, many require approval and cooperation from Congress, the executive branch, state and local governments, and the private for-profit and nonprofit sectors.

The plan would affect many aspects of the American economy and society, from education, health care, and the environment, to civic engagement and government performance, to homeland...