School children may join together in discussion of classroom topics although they may physically live thousands of miles apart. Technology allows for the creative use of self expression and encourages all of our young to find their own voice and share with others their view of the world as well as learn from what they find. However, this universe of possibilities is only as worthwhile as the use to which it is put. Teachers who grew up learning a more top down paradigm of education must be encouraged to explore the new medium as a means to engage young minds in the adventure of learning. Support for those professionals who are utilizing these new tools, both in terms of resources and expertise, along with community involvement, are necessary in this new digital age just as they were before the advent of computers.
Today s hearing comes at an opportune time.
In February of this past year Congress passed and the President signed into law the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Among its provisions, the legislation requires telecommunications carriers, if requested, to provide elementary and secondary schools with telecommunications services at reduced rates. The FCC will make its ruling on the proposal tomorrow. It will dictate the terms of universal access to the classrooms of the future. The FCC ruling is only one facet of Federal involvement in providing technology in the classroom.