Datacasting has become an innovative way to improve distance learning.

Datacasting uses TV signals to send data. For years, this technology has been used to deliver encrypted public safety data to police, fire and other first responders.

Using this technology, educators can send high quality instruction to students through a simple antenna and receiver connected a student’s computer or mobile device.

Datacasting supports rural and urban students who lack broadband connection.

It allows students without internet to increase their access to educational resources.

THIS INNOVATION will also give access to learners all their lives.

This will help learners in early childhood centers such as Head Start, adolescent and young adults In the juvenile justice system, and adults in work force training.

With this ability to serve students in need, South Carolina is exploring this cost-effective option as an opportunity for learning recovery and distance learning.

In addition to the social and emotional impact of remote learning, experts say lost classroom time is having a significant impact on students’ academic growth.

WITH THIS in mind, our state and others have begun to turn their focus on learning recovery using federal and local funds to build out summer school, extend school days or extend school programs.

Datacasting is one innovation that can close the gap in the lack of broadband connection to help with learning recovery.

South Carolina educators have targeted 34 districts for the program. They are conducting a pilot in 5 school districts.

South Carolina, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Michigan are using some of their covid-19 response reserves to expand their state’s datacasting or education channel capabilities. They are currently conducting pilots with rural school districts.

These states work together to learn from each other’s successes in policy, practice, communication and roll-out strategies.

The states share critical questions, barriers and the benefits and risks of datacasting as an educational policy.

They discuss its applications beyond the current crisis and datacasting applications beyond traditional education systems. Additionally, they explore methods to evaluate outcomes and impacts at pilot sites.

Datacasting is not meant to replace the internet. To have all homes connected is an ambitious and lofty goal.

However, datacasting provides learning opportunities for students now.

If you are interested in other distance education innovations, please contact to Dr. Beth Howard-Brown at the American Institutes for Research for more information at bhoward-brown@air.org.

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