Netting Net Neutrality
The idea of net neutrality was new to me in 2018, as I hadn’t heard about it until earlier this year when there was controversy surrounding it. Even then, the concept seemed foreign to me, and I couldn’t wrap my head around it until recently after reading more articles, definitions, and arguments. Equal, open Internet is something that I have admittedly taken for granted. Net neutrality essentially boils down to no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization (Reardon, 2015). Without it, the Internet would seemingly become much more complicated than it already is.
Net neutrality matters to everyone that uses the Internet, especially in the field of education. Net neutrality ensures that the online experiences of all students are based on equal opportunity. Many factors of the educational experience are impacted by net neutrality or could be impacted by lack thereof. According to Long (2015), for example, without net neutrality two students writing a research paper would not be able to access the same resources. Additionally, libraries and schools that don’t have additional money to pay for faster Internet service would experience slower connections speeds. Teachers would have a more difficult time implementing technology in the classroom, and students would suffer a loss of free speech and opportunities to create and share online.
Net neutrality matters to education. Net neutrality matters to me. My classroom runs on the seamless incorporation of technology that allows my students to develop the skills needed to be successful in the 21st century. Today’s students need the opportunity to use the Internet openly and equally.
References
Long, C. (2015, March 11). What net neutrality means for students and educators. Retrieved
from http://neatoday.org/2015/03/11/net-neutrality-means-students-educators/
Reardon, M. (2015, March 14). What you need to know about the FCC's 2015 net neutrality
regulation. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/news/13-things-you-need-to-know-
about-the-fccs-net-neutrality-regulation/
