We sometimes wonder if in some way income disparities, political problems, a general lack of funding, union negotiations, crumbling buildings, security issues, and a host of other problems mean that inequalities in educational opportunities are, like a hurricane or a blizzard, just something that has to be suffered. We need to recognize that technology can bring us help. In no way is technology going to be a complete cure-all for educational equality or for all societal problems. But in absolutely no way is it destined to be a failure. There is no question we can improve educational opportunity if we find the ways to put communications technology in the hands of every teacher and every child in this country.
Education technology can be an equalizer of opportunity.
That's what it has been for businesses and scientists and college students. So when we talk about education technology we should recognize that although there are many dimensions to the subject, success is within our grasp. But we need to reach for it. These parts all need to be put together for us to have success. But the Telecommunications Act of 1996 provides us nuts, bolts, glue, even some steel frame, to rebuild our education structure.