This morning, on ABC’s Good Morning America, Apple CEO Tim Cook discussed ConnectED. ConnectED is an education initiative to make tech knowledge available for all children and students in America. Tim Cook talked about how his company is making that dream come true.
So far, Apple has issued many grants supporting technology education all over the US. Those grants have reached 114 schools in 29 states. They made a $100 million mandate to teach kids from all walks of life how to use Macs, iPads, Mac Pros, Apple TV, and other Apple based technology products. Cook hopes this will help the ‘digital school divide’. During an interview with Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts, Cook didn’t reveal any new technical revelations or strategies. He focused on the social benefits of Apple’s role in making technology available to all. The interview took place at Tuskegee Public School in Alabama, one of the greatest benefactors of the ConnectED program. Cook stressed technology is a key part of education today. He said, “Kids today, they’re born in a digital world, but too many kids, when it comes time for the 8 o?clock bell to ring, go to an analog world”.? That needs to be changed. Cook calls for a hands on approach when it comes to kids in technology. ConnectED’s goal is to get high speed internet to 99% of American school students by 2018.
One thing about Tim Cook‘s interview struck me. Today’s kids really are born in a digital world. Today’s college freshmen were born between 1996-97. That means they never knew a time without the Internet. Today’s high school freshman were born between 2000-01. That means they never knew a world without cell phones or laptops. Today’s sixth graders were born between 2003-04. They never knew a world without social media. See where I’m going? Technology is no longer a luxury in education. It’s a necessity. Technology is critical in the success of future generations. I’m glad Apple is taking this step. I long for the day where every American child has access to proper technology, regardless of income, race, neighborhood, or any other social demographic. Don’t our kids deserve the very best?