Technology is needed now more than ever in our schools and classrooms. The recommendations in the Wisconsin Digital Learning Plan (https://sites.google.com/a/dpi.wi.gov/wi_digital_learning_plan) support changes in teaching and learning that recognize the need for learning to occur 24/7, allow students to pursue personal pathways to college and career, and take advantage of efficiencies achieved through digital curriculum. However, many schools are not able to take advantage of these opportunities affordably due to inadequate bandwidth. Further, not all students have the same equitable opportunities for learning because they may lack access to the Internet at home.
To address these issues, schools districts in Wisconsin are participating in efforts to determine the current status of Internet broadband access and where improvements are needed. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC-W) are partnering to promote a residential and business broadband demand survey from April through May, 2013. This is part of the larger LinkWisconsin project (http://www.link.wisconsin.gov). By encouraging parents to complete this survey we hope that we can begin to address the digital divide many of our students throughout the state face and bring the broadband needed in our schools and classrooms.
Results will be used in two ways:
1) locations will be mapped to show unmet needs or demand for high speed Internet; and
2) submissions will be used to communicate need to Internet providers.
Surveys for residential and businesses can be accessed at:
Questions on the project or communications tools can be directed to Tithi Chattopadhyay, State Broadband Director, PSC-W by emailing PSCStateBroadbandOffice@wisconsin.gov
Thank you.
