School days are back in session!  It’s time to set goals for the new school year and plan ways to obtain these goals. According to recent research, reaching many educational goals begins with having reliable Internet connections at school and at home. In fact, here are 5 ways broadband enhances learning in rural areas:

1. Technology in Classrooms: Many area schools are introducing one-to-one initiatives where the district supplies all students (preschool – grade 12) with tablets or laptops. Activities and coursework are now being developed around these devices. Students are able to use their devices during designated times throughout the day and some schools allow high school students to take their devices home to complete their homework.
    
2. Online Classes:  With an Internet connection and an Internet-enabled device, students of all ages have discovered the many conveniences online classes offer.  For example, high school students are able to remain physically in high school but start their college education early through online classes.  Additionally, online classes also provide high school students lacking sufficient credits a way to get back on track verses repeating an entire year. Both high school and college students are able to take classes that are set up in an online classroom or virtually “attend” classes that are located at another school. Likewise, working adults are provided with a convenient way to complete a degree while still maintaining a full-time job.
    
3. Individualized Learning: Because of broadband and technology in classrooms and at home, students are able to have a more individualized learning environment. Many educational websites have been created to pick up on student’s educational cues and build practices and assessments specific to the student’s learning needs. For example, XtraMath.org is a tool used in several school districts that helps elementary students master basic arithmetic facts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  The system uses short, timed practices to evaluate which facts the student has mastered or still needs help memorizing. If the student answers the question incorrectly, the system is designed to focus on that math fact more frequently so that the student can master it and move on to the next level.  This system also allows teachers to teach multiple levels of math to students at their own pace.  For example, one student might be learning subtractions while another student is starting on division.
    
4. Fast Access to Information: The Internet allow students to quickly pull up real-time information rather than waiting for it to be printed. This saves both students and schools valuable time and money completing daily tasks. This also reduces the division between urban, suburban and rural education as all students are able to access to the same information through online and up-to-date encyclopedias, business periodicals, journals, magazines, etc.  
    
5. Increases Efficiency: Not only has the Internet increased educational productivity, but it has also increased efficiency in a number of ways. For example, using Internet-based material maximizes efficiency by significantly reduces educational expenses on items such as costly printed materials and paper supplies and freeing up those portions of the educational budget for alternative use.  The Internet also provides a way to better utilize a teacher’s time by teaching students at multiple levels instead of combining all students into one level.  Furthermore, the Internet has helped improved the level of communication between parents, teachers, students and administrators.  Submitting enrollment forms, registering for classes, checking lunch account balances, obtaining grades, etc.  - all of these activities can now easily and conveniently be accessed through online school portals drastically reduces time, money and resources previously spent on these processes.

Providing you with a reliable Internet connection is one way we can help you help your children succeed.  For help determining the best Internet package for your household, check out How To Choose the Best Internet Package For You.

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