The Quality Digital Learning Committee this morning released its report to the legislature on the state’s needs in digital learning, which refers not just to equal and adequate access to the Internet but also delivering classes digitally. A very short summary: The state needs a lot of improvement.

Centralized management of an adequate broadband delivery system for all the state’s schools is one recommendation.

Advertisement

There are savings in economies of scale, the report says, but it’s the recommended improvements will cost money. Arkansas spends less than comparable states now. It is also the only state with a fiber optic network that can’t serve schools directly, on account of a law restriction. Competition with private industry for Internet services is a major political factor (obstacle, some might say) in moving Arkansas forward with a comprehensive statewide network.