THE LOOP — All Chicago Public Schools classrooms will have broadband wireless Internet access by next fall, thanks to a $38 million federal grant being announced Tuesday.
According to CPS officials, the $37.7 million grant is from the Federal Communications Commission through its ConnectED and E-Rate initiatives and will be announced Tuesday by CPS Chief Executive Officer Forrest Claypool and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
"It'll give students an opportunity to interact with technology in a meaningful way," said Shawn Jackson, deputy chief of teaching and learning.
It will accelerate CPS' Computer Science 4 All plan to put wireless in classrooms by two years, and also enable the school system to hasten its requirement for all high-school graduates to have taken computer science to next year, a year ahead of the original schedule.
"By putting 21st-century technology directly in the hands of our students, we are putting 21st-century opportunities within their reach," Emanuel said in a statement. "With this investment by the FCC, Chicago can accelerate our plan to make computer science a graduation requirement for all students, because bandwidth will no longer be a barrier."
Emanuel believes it "will attract more top employers to Chicago, and will ensure our students are prepared to compete for the jobs of the future."
"Chicago is already leading the way when it comes to putting computer science front and center, and we are building on our efforts by making sure that technology is as much a part of everyday learning as it is of everyday life," Claypool said. "Whether you're a language student who can talk to other students across the world or a biology student who can see your lessons come to life, technology can make learning come alive."
Jackson pointed out that many students already have wireless Internet access at home, but this will allow the technology to enter the classroom and expand education options.
"I think that's what's great," Jackson added. "It can go beyond what's going on at a student's individual school," expanding the opportunities for interaction with students elsewhere, as well as granting access to Internet seminars and the like.
Jackson called it "an invaluable addition to our schools."
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