Twenty schools and libraries are getting E-rate funding through the...

Fund support off-campus mobile Internet connections for students. Of $10 million set aside in the program, the commission is spending $9 million on pilot program schools. Education and technology working together are critical to U.S. competitiveness, Genachowski said. “If we want our kids to able to compete in the digital economy, we need to equip them with the digital tools and skills to do so.” The U.S. is falling behind the rest of the world in education, he said, noting that many teachers have no classroom tools less than decades old. “At a broadband-connected school, students can access the best libraries in the country, the best learning tools, the best teachers, anywhere,” Genachowski said. “Technology can empower teachers, amplifying their abilities and augmenting their performance.” The U.S. military sees technology as a “force multiplier, not a replacement for soldiers,” and it can play the same role in education, he said. The commission said 95 schools and libraries applied for funding, showing a high level of interest in the program. “The FCC will evaluate the effectiveness of the program to determine whether and how off-premises wireless services should be eligible for continued E-rate support,” said a commission fact sheet. “Program evaluation will be based on a number of criteria -- to be detailed in a forthcoming order formally selecting the pilot participants -- including usage of educational and research resources by students and library patrons.” Information including a list of the schools is at www.fcc.gov.