Yet data about the costs and returns of online education is still scarce, and it is difficult to make projections based on evidence and experience. The studies also agree that whether an online programme is making or losing money depends very much on how costs and revenues are defined and how thoroughly expenses can be reckoned. Dr. Ray Harbert, one of the program's organizers says that being isolated from digital technology for years poses a serious handicap for prisoners granted parole or release. Each day, online content and eMails will be downloaded to the prison server before the Internet connection is terminated. The prison server will upload completed coursework to one of six area campuses that offer online degrees.
Security is of the utmost concern of prison officials.
As superintendent in Houston, Paige led efforts to bring computers and the Internet into schools. Under Paige, the Houston Independent School District networked more than 300 locations with T1 Internet connections, and the district is now working on establishing a fiber-optic network. Educators fear that, if states receive education funds in a block, they will be less likely to spend the money on technology. Using these funds, they will have the support and flexibility necessary to improve academic achievement through such initiatives as providing high-quality training for teachers that is grounded in scientific research. In return, states will be held accountable for improving the quality of their teachers.