Broadband Internet access for all Americans can have a significant impact on the community of Alvin, TX. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2020), the population of Alvin is around 27,000, and around 13% of households in the city do not have access to broadband Internet. This lack of access can hinder economic development, education, and healthcare outcomes. With universal Internet access, all residents can benefit from online resources, job opportunities, and telehealth services. The impact of broadband Internet access is particularly significant for students, as it can help bridge the digital divide and improve educational outcomes.
In Alvin, the issue of broadband Internet access is a pressing one. The lack of access affects both students and adults in the community. Currently, the Alvin Independent School District (AISD) provides Internet access to students through various means, such as Wi-Fi hotspots. However, these efforts are not enough to address the digital divide that exists in the community. There are several resources with useful information about providing universal Internet access and addressing the digital divide that can be applied in Alvin, Texas: Arbel (2021), Crossland, Gray, and Reynold (2018), Education Superhighway (2021), FCC (2020), the High-speed Internet for All website, and ISTE (2018).
Arbel (2021) highlights President Biden’s $100 billion plan to improve Internet access, which includes providing broadband access to all Americans. This initiative aims to provide reliable and affordable Internet access to underserved communities like Alvin. The plan includes expanding broadband infrastructure, reducing the cost of broadband, and prioritizing support for tribal lands and rural areas.
Crossland, Gray, and Reynold (2018) suggest that the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) can play a critical role in addressing the digital divide in schools. ESSA includes Title IV-A, which provides funding for technology and digital learning resources. This funding can help schools in Alvin to invest in EdTech and other digital resources to enhance learning and address the digital divide.
Education Superhighway (2021) offers the K-12 Bridge to Broadband program, which helps schools and districts to connect to affordable high-speed Internet. This program offers free tools and resources to help schools identify affordable Internet options, negotiate contracts, and maximize the use of E-Rate funding.
The FCC (2020) offers the E-Rate program, which provides discounts for schools and libraries to access affordable high-speed Internet. This program helps to ensure that schools and libraries in Alvin have access to reliable Internet connectivity, which is crucial for digital learning.
The High-speed Internet for All program aims to provide universal Internet access to all Americans. This program focuses on investing in broadband infrastructure and expanding broadband access to underserved communities like Alvin.
The ISTE (2018) guidance document and Crossland et al. (2018) discuss the importance of accessibility, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and personalized learning outcomes for students. These concepts can be incorporated into a technology integration plan to ensure that all students have equal access to online resources and tools. Professional learning for teachers and administrators can help them develop the necessary skills to implement UDL and personalized learning strategies in their classrooms.
The funding options that might be a good match for the vision and goals of the technology integration plan include the E-Rate program and the K-12 Bridge to Broadband initiative by Education Superhighway. The E-Rate program provides discounted rates on Internet and telecommunications services for schools and libraries. This program can help ensure that students in Alvin have access to reliable and high-speed Internet services. The K-12 Bridge to Broadband initiative provides support to schools and communities to help them access high-speed broadband services. This initiative can help address the lack of broadband access in Alvin and improve educational outcomes for students.
Broadband Internet access is a critical issue for Alvin, TX. The lack of access affects both students and adults and hinders economic, educational, and healthcare outcomes. The incorporation of UDL and personalized learning strategies can help address the digital divide and ensure equal access to online resources for all students. The E-Rate program and the K-12 Bridge to Broadband initiative are viable funding options to support the technology integration plan for Alvin schools. The next steps to pursue these options include identifying the specific needs of the district and applying for the appropriate funding programs.
References:
Arbel, T. (2021, April 3). Broadband for all: Inside President Biden’s $100 billion plan to improve Internet access. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2021/04/03/biden-broadband-plan-infrastructure-internet-access-100-billion/7017045002/
Crossland, A., Gray, T., & Reynold, J. (2018). ESSA and digital learning: Closing the digital accessibility gap. American Institute for Research. https://www.air.org/resource/essa-and-digital-learning-closing-digital-accessibility-gap
Education Superhighway. (2021). K-12 Bridge to Broadband. Retrieved from: https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/bridge-to-broadband/
FCC. (2020). E-rate: Universal service program for schools and libraries. Retrieved from: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/universal-service-program-schools-and-libraries-e-rate
Internet4All. (n.d.). High-speed Internet for All. Retrieved from https://www.internet4all.gov/
ISTE. (2018). Using ESSA to fund EdTech: Getting the most out of Title IV-A.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Alvin city, Texas. American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Retrieved from https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Alvin%20city,%20Texas&g=1600000US4801924&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP05&hidePreview=true
