GETTING CONNECTED: The one-to-one device theory aims to level the technological playing field. But in Rutherford County, SC, where nearly half of the 6,000 students who have received a laptop from the district don’t have internet access at home, such an initiative might actually worsen the digital divide. After all, what’s there to do when most of the basic computer tasks--like word processing--is increasingly done online?
Enter Facebook. Today, along with internet provider PANGAEA and Rutherford County Schools, the company announced a pilot program to provide free Wifi access to students in 75-100 homes in Forest City, NC, home to one of Facebook’s data centers. If the pilot is successful, Facebook plans to expand the network for more students. Get more information on the program at Tech Crunch.
