State education networks spread. (Technology Information)

Just a few short years ago, Florida, Texas, and a handful of other states stood alone in their commitment to state-run Internet networks for educational and government use. Fast-forward to 1997, to a national landscape that includes 38 states either planning or expanding networks that include schools. Of those states, 19 support dedicated dial-up access to networks, giving educators access to state-subsidized lines reserved for data sharing and Internet use. Even tiny Delaware approved $30 million in state funds to build a modern educational technology network, according to data compiled by Education Commission of the States (Denver, Colo.).

Progress report. While these figures paint a picture befitting the digital age, don't be fooled--there's still a long way to go. According to Connie Stout, director of the Texas Education Network (TENET) and author of a recent report on telecommunications networks in education, although roughly 40 percent of U.S. schools have at least one line to the Internet, only 8 percent of classrooms have access.

That number is up from 3 percent in 1994-95, but it underscores the scope of the challenge. Take the example of another model state network, the Florida Information Resource Network (FIRN). It connects 60 cities across the state's 67 counties, but this initial connection is to the district's administrative offices. From there, it is the district's responsibility to determine how, or when, to bring individual schools into a wide area network (WAN).

The lay of the land. The new State Networking Report: ...