The iCONN site idea, as initiated by then lieutenant governor Jodi Rell, that would enhance and provide information access to a level technology playing field for the school districts throughout the state of Connecticut is excellent. The current site provides a wide range of educational technology and databases that can be applied from pre-school, K-12 and onward. The site incorporates every aspect of education that I inquired about from literacy in second grade to science in 10th grade and technology in the classroom with NASA. The web links to other educational and technological sites provided an expanded unlimited avenue of opportunities to the educator, students, parents, administrators and the general public. I was intrigued by the way iCONN integrated state libraries and municipalities, including the ability of downloading audiobooks.
The one aspect that concerned me was the cost of such technology throughout the state. What I found was the amount of cost savings, estimated $44.6 million 2010, will continue to be incurred by having a statewide licensing purchasing model that can be utilized by each city and school, was also excellent.
The overall idea “equity of information access” for all is bold and appropriate for our statewide community and research abilities. My limited personal observation of schools located with a high population of minorities or non-English speaking students, is that the technology equipment is either older and or is limited in its functioning capacity and availability. That being said, personnel resources to educate students in technology are likewise limited within communities and schools cited, which is a drawback in learning for the student but has great potential opportunities for the educator.
Two web sites explored: Internet4classrooms.com and teaming up with Verizon (corporate partner), Thinkfinity.org & Readwritethink.org.
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