We need an educational system that holds no special interest higher than the interests of our children. Of course, with our commitment to life-time learning comes a commitment to information technology. Computers, telecommunications, information technology should be available to all of our citizens. Technology spans distance something rural people have too much of. Technology compensates for limited time and money, things that rural communities find in short supply.
Technology brings people together.
And most importantly we will train our teachers how to incorporate computers, technology, and the Internet into their curriculum. Working together, we will identify services, support investments and work to bring rural communities on line as quickly and as equitably as possible. The Pennsylvania Rural Development Council has been an important player as we have designed our information technology initiatives. The Council's Telecommunications Policy Statement for Rural Pennsylvania has helped shape our thinking on how information technology services should be provided to rural areas. Of course, technology development is only one aspect of the work done by our Rural Development Council.