Celebrate Digital Learning Day on February 23 

Digital learning is not just about outfitting classrooms with laptops; it is about using technology to enhance all aspects of the educational experience. Digital learning helps equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful now and in the future while also helping schools be more efficient with their spending and keeping parents fully engaged. To celebrate digital learning day, BroadbandUSA is highlighting benefits of digital learning:

1. Expanding educational opportunity. Students can access high-quality learning resources online regardless of where they live.

2. Enhancing lesson plans. Teachers can use dynamic materials such as images, videos and interactive assessments to better engage students.

3. Providing student-centric learning. Students can use technology to learn at their own pace, from any location and at anytime, whether they are in the school library or on the bus.

4. Improving teachers effectiveness. Immediate feedback lets teachers quickly diagnose learning gaps and better measure student progress.

5. Enabling widespread sharing of knowledge. Schools can share lesson plans and educational resources to enrich student learning without adding to the bottom line.

Digital learning is dependent on access to high-speed Internet. Does your community need help improving its broadband infrastructure? Contact us at broadbandusa@ntia.doc.gov or call 202-482-2048 to work with our experts today.

Broadband News

• Comments Due March 10 for NTIA Computer and Internet Use Supplement to the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS)

• Early Bird Registration Open for United States of Anchors: SHLB's Seventh Annual Conference

• RUS Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program Notice of Solicitation of Applications

• Rural Broadband Access Loan Program Upcoming Webinars

• Community Connect Grant Application Window Now Open for FY17

• FCC Releases Report Examining the Progress of E-rate Modernization Since Adoption of 2016 Modernization Orders in 2014

• Federal Reserve Releases Closing the Digital Divide: A Framework for Meeting CRA Obligations

• NITRD Requests Public Comment on Smart Cities and Communities Federal Strategic Plan: Exploring Innovation Together

• Microsoft Renews Affordable Access Initiative

New Broadband Resources The National League of Cities (NLC) released "Trends in Smart City Development," a new report featuring case studies and recommendations to help governments plan smart city projects. The report highlights smart initiatives in Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, Charlotte and New Delhi and shares best practices for successful implementation. Access the report here.

BroadbandUSA Spotlight On January 12, BroadbandUSA's Andy Spurgeon participated in ICMA's "Access and Inclusion in the Digital Age" webinar, sharing NTIA's perspective on improving nationwide broadband access and offering resources available to broadband advocates. He joined representatives from National Resource Network (NRN), International City/County Management (ICMA), New Orleans, LA and Springfield, MO on the webinar.

Webinars BroadbandUSA Webinar Series Topic: BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations: Leveraging National Data to Jumpstart Your Broadband Plan Date: Wednesday, February 15 from 2:00-3:00 p.m., Eastern Time Overview: The U.S. Census Bureau, NTIA and FCC collect and make data about availability, subscriptions and usage publicly available. Join us to do a "deep dive" into federal datasets, including the FCC Form 477 filings from broadband providers that show broadband availability, speed and technology, and NTIA's Digital Nation data, which represents the largest comprehensive national household survey on computer and Internet use. We'll also highlight how the BroadbandUSA Community Connectivity Initiative will leverage this data as part of its online assessment tool. Hear from the experts and ask your questions. Click here to register. Please pre-register for each webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Events

NTIA Events

February 12-15, 2017 National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) 2017 National Conference of Regions BroadbandUSA will participate in a panel at NARC's annual conference in Washington, DC.

Events of Interest

February 5-8, 2017 NTCA: The Rural Broadband Association Rural Telecom Meeting & Expo NTCA: The Rural Broadband Association is hosting its annual meeting and expo in San Diego, CA. Click here to learn more.

February 7, 2017 National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) Webinar NDIA is holding a "Digital Inclusion Data 101" webinar. Click here to learn more.

February 12-15, 2017 National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC) Winter Committee Meeting NARUC is hosting its winter committee meeting in Washington, D.C. Click here to learn more.

February 24-27, 2017 National Governors Association(NGA) Winter Conference NGA is hosting its annual winter conference in Washington, DC. Click here to learn more.

February 25-March 1, 2017 National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference NACo is hosting its legislative conference in Washington, DC. Click here to learn more.

Policy Corner President Trump named Ajit Pai as the new Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He replaces Tom Wheeler, who served as FCC Chairman for three years. Pai has served as a commissioner at the agency for five years. Read the press release here.

Contact Us If you’re interested in receiving technical assistance, email us at broadbandusa@ntia.doc.gov or call us at 202-482-2048.