As students headed back to school this week, Governor Pat McCrory’s priority to equip all North Carolina classrooms with Wi-Fi by 2018 was highlighted at the nationally-recognized Innovation Center (iCenter). Today, Keith Werner, the first Secretary for the Department of Information Technology (DIT), connected an Onslow County third grade class with a Stanly County first grade class via telepresence technology and read the children’s classic Charlotte’s Web to students.
“From day one, Governor McCrory made it clear that a foundation for Wi-Fi in every classroom was necessary to facilitate North Carolina’s transformation to digital learning,” said Secretary Keith Werner. “Conducting events like today’s telepresence session demonstrate the innovative technologies we’re using as a State. These technologies also show how Governor McCrory is working to prepare students for the 21st century knowledge economy.”
Today, almost half the schools in North Carolina have digital learning-ready wireless networks in place—twice the number from just two years ago. Through leveraging E-rate funding, along with matching state funds, the State will meet its goal to equip all of its classrooms with robust Wi-Fi by 2018, making North Carolina the first state in the nation to have Wi-Fi in every classroom.
The two participating schools were Northwoods Elementary in Onslow County and Central Elementary in Stanly County, which are more than 200 miles apart. Both classes listened to the story read by Secretary Werner, which was followed by a short question and answer session.