After 10 Years, Federal Money for Technology in Education

More than 10 years ago, the former president of NBC News and PBS, Lawrence K. Grossman and the former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Newton N. Minow, were both asked to research how nonprofit organizations such as schools and libraries could tune into new digital technologies. They planned to construct a multibillion dollar trust to research learning technology. Their organization could be handing out grants by this fall. Although the organization which has bipartisan support did not get as much funding as planned, they continue to expect growth after a few successful projects. This is an example of a positive externality where private costs are greater than social costs. The public is benefiting greatly by expanding their ability to use technology at the expense of private parties and government spending.