WASHINGTON-While most of the population is at least aware of the cyberworld, more than 90 percent of American classrooms are cut off from the information revolution because they are without a phone.
Earlier this year, U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich challenged the industry to improve education and aid the less fortunate in accessing the information superhighway. The wireless telecommunications industry responded by donating systems to elementary schools.
Two Washington, D.C., schools are part of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association Foundation for Wireless Telecommunication’s ClassLink initiative to bring wireless communications and information to isolated classrooms. Bell Atlantic Mobile and Cellular One of Washington/Baltimore donated phones, airtime and installation. CTIA plans to work with local wireless carriers to install ClassLink systems around the country.
ClassLink is a mini-cellular system installed in the school enabling schools to connect their computers to the Internet via wireless modems.
In a similar project, the Los Angeles Cellular Telephone Co. is supporting an interactive, computer-based math program created by the Public Broadcasting Service. L.A. Cellular is providing the wireless link for PBS Mathline, designed to improve American math-teaching by emphasizing activities and real applications.
