In turn, schools and libraries are bringing innovative new learning models to children and lifelong learners, as well as a host of unexpected synergies to entire communities. It has brought information not just to students, but to their parents, members of the community, and those who are now using the internet for the first time. The report outlines five key findings that demonstrate the effectiveness of the eRate. First, the study claims that research shows the eRate program is increasing involvement in technology for people across the board. Many schools reported participating in collaborative online projects, such as the yearly tracking of monarch butterflies.
Students are more interested in technology and participating in the global economy.
Distance learning has also become more prevalent due to eRate funding. For example, one rural high school in Virginia has connected to other high school, a community college, and a university to offer its students classes they would normally not be able to offer. School libraries connected to the internet thanks to eRate discounts have seen an increase in use as well. The second important finding of the EdLiNC study was that the eRate seemed to foster parent involvement in schools. Once schools got connected, many of the respondents said they issued eMail accounts to teachers, allowing them to keep in closer touch with parents.