January 14, 2009 By News Report
Virginia public schools are getting a head start thanks to a new K-12 Broadband Speed Map, conceptualized by Virginia's Secretary of Technology, Aneesh Chopra, and developed by engineers from the eCorridors program at Virginia Tech.
The broadband speed map allows school administrators to test their school's Internet speed capabilities and easily report findings to the Secretary of Technology's office. The information collected through this process will assist government leaders in assessing the needs of each public school and targeting resources accordingly. "Ensuring that every student in Virginia's public schools has high quality access to the Internet is something that we have been striving for," explains Chopra, "Together with eCorridors, we have created an easy to use diagnostic tool that will help us isolate areas of need and provide the basis for strategic resource allocation."
"The broadband test is quite simple to conduct with just a couple of mouse clicks," explains Brenda van Gelder, director of the eCorridors program, "The Web application utilizes the Internet2 network diagnostic tool testing engine that also support eCorridors' statewide broadband speed map that was launched in 2006." Users can test their school's Internet upload and download speeds, view the results, and report the information, all within seconds.
State officials are confident that the tool will provide an immediate and informed assessment of this critical resource. "This tool will be extremely valuable to school IT administrators to help them balance use of internet based instructional resources with on-line standards of learning test access," stated Lan Neugent, Assistant Superintendent for Technology and Career Education, Virginia Department of Education.
Digital Communities members get access to our collaboration task forces
427 Members
77 Discussions
84 Files
Latest members Become a member
Digital Communities members get access to our collaboration task forces
669 Members
145 Discussions
150 Files
Latest members Become a member
Based off of discussions of the Digital Communities Large Jurisdiction Chief Information Officer (CIO) Working Group, this white paper aims to answer the question, "In today's economic, political and business environment, what constitutes a successful relationship between government and industry?" Cause for Optimism identifies and clarifies the issues that separate government and industry, and begins to find an answer to the question necessary for both to enjoy a successful and prosperous future.
Don't miss this opportunity to see the latest in digital government solutions, keep abreast of current policy issues and network with key government executives, technologists and industry specialists.
Digital Communities News In Your Inbox
Subscribe to Digital Communities
Digital Communities (DC) is e.Republic‘s local government program. The particular strength of DC is its focus on encouraging collaboration and creating productive relationships between and among cities, counties, regions and select private sector companies uniquely positioned to help improve the delivery of public services.
Subscribe | View Digital Issue