FCC launches new education program

The Federal Communications Commission launched a pilot program to expand off-campus education technology on Monday.

The program, titled “Learning On-The-Go,” will provide $9 million to 20 schools and libraries for the 2011-2012 school year. Each site developed its own plan to improve students’ access to education technology outside of the classroom, and the FCC selected the sites through a competitive grant process. 

Some of the schools will provide access to e-textbooks for students while others will create online education programs for homebound students unable to attend classes. Officials from the FCC hope to expand and improve the program in the coming years.        

The initiative is part of the FCC’s E-Rate program that aims to improve education through technology. E-Rate is part of the Universal Service Fund, which is funded by required contributions from telecommunications companies.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski first announced the Learning On-The-Go program at an event in New York City in March. “Education doesn’t stop at the schoolyard gate or the library door, so support of broadband for education shouldn’t stop there either,” he said.