Schools are officially in the age of technological learning. There are 1:1 programs, hybrid classrooms, free online learning platforms, eLearning applications and assessments, video collaborations, and the expectation of more to come with developments in augmented and virtual reality technologies.

While useful, these technologies can come with challenges. This includes:

A need for reliable internet connectivity,
Ongoing maintenance, and
Ongoing optimization

The good news is that schools have access to free funds that will address all of these challenges thanks to the E-rate program. Here’s how to use it to best support student and teacher success.

Reliable internet connectivity

First and foremost, schools need efficient, reliable, and optimized internet connectivity to support all technologies. Without this foundational support, there can be no eLearning. Since many devices and technologies need Wi-Fi, the E-rate application period is the time to optimize your wireless network.

Funds can be used to improve Wi-Fi performance in a number of ways. Eligible products and services fall under two categories. Category One consists of services that provide and support data transmission and/or Internet access. Installation and activation charges are included as eligible costs.