ReturnCharting the Future of Learning: A Necessary Venture into eRate, Policy, Funding
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Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom 2A
Listen and learn: Edtalk 
Trips and ToursPresenters
@sherylabshire
Session description
Purpose & objective
The central aim of this presentation is to provide participants with a detailed overview of the status of key federal policy and funding programs relevant to school and home connectivity, cybersecurity, and professional learning. By providing participants with a solid foundation of policy knowledge through expert presentations and the opportunity to ask questions, we endeavor to arm them with the knowledge necessary to advocate locally and nationally for improved edtech policies and increased edtech funding.
We plan to cover the following key topics/objectives:
*Detailed overview of the E-Rate Program, including the budget system
*Discuss the Efforts to Address the Homework Gap
*Discuss Cybersecurity Issues and Possible Solutions
*Discuss Funding Opportunities
*Discuss New Federal Funding Opportunities and Efforts
Outline
The outline for this session is as follows:
Opening remarks (“state of the state”) intro from each presenter (3-5 minute per presenter)
Expert discussions on each of the following topics: (10 minutes each)
*E-rate
*Homework Gap
*Cybersecurity
*Funding for professional development and new Federal funding
Each discussion topic will include key data points, followed by expert discussion and Q&A from audience members (10 minutes of active audience engagement)
Supporting research
Homework Gap:
Chandra, S., Chang, A., Day, L., Fazlullah, A., Liu, J., et al. (2020). Closing the K–12 Digital Divide in the Age of Distance Learning. Common Sense Media and Boston Consulting Group. www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/pdfs/common_sense_media_report_final_7_1_3pm_web.pdf
Alliance for Excellent Education, National Indian Education Association, National Urban League, and UnidosUS. (2020). Students of Color Caught in the Homework Gap. Author. https://futureready.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/HomeworkGap_FINAL8.06.2020.pdf
Cybersecurity:
Klein, Alyson. (2020) Cyber Attacks on Schools Tripled in 2019, Report Finds.https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/2020/03/cyber_attacks_on_schools_tripl.html
Newman, Lily Hay. (2020) Schools Already Struggled With Cybersecurity. Then Came Covid-19.https://www.wired.com/story/schools-already-struggled-cybersecurity-then-came-covid-19/
E-rate, et al:
Funds for Learning.E-rate Trends Report.
https://www.fundsforlearning.com/e-rate-data/trendsreport/
Key stats:
*98% of E-rate applicants desire support for cybersecurity
*95% of E-rate applicants describe the E-rate funding process as vital to their school district’s Internet needs. (pg15)
*90% of E-rate applicants describe insufficient home Internet access (“homework gap”) as a significant issue in their community.
Session specifications
Equity and Citizenship Advocate
- Ensure all students have access to the technology and connectivity necessary to participate in authentic and engaging learning opportunities.
- Ensure that resources for supporting the effective use of technology for learning are sufficient and scalable to meet future demand.
Leader
- Advocate for equitable access to educational technology, digital content and learning opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all students.