Connecting schools to internet

Implementation

Some 15,000 schools throughout the European Union were connected to the Internet in October 1997, the first of Netd@ys Europe, when they organized over 1,000 events and together set up a European network in order to share their methods and experiences. An even greater participation is expected in Netd@ys Europe 1998.

Claim

1. Every child should have affordable access to high quality educational and cultural information and services. There should be noncommercial spaces and electronic commons akin to public playgrounds, where children can safely explore, play, create, learn, and participate in civic life.

Counter-claim

Connecting schools to the internet is often overstated as a critical issue. Many students thrive in traditional learning environments without constant online access. The focus should be on enhancing teaching methods and fostering interpersonal skills rather than relying on digital resources. Moreover, not all communities have the infrastructure to support high-speed internet, making it an impractical priority. Let’s invest in holistic education rather than chasing the fleeting notion that internet access is essential for success.