Obama says US needs to bring its schools into the 21st century when it comes to technology

President Barack Obama says the United States needs to bring its schools into the 21st century when it comes to technology.

Obama says less than 40 percent of public schools have high-speed Internet in their classrooms. He says that's not good for the country where the Internet was invented.

Obama commented Wednesday as he opened a White House conference with school superintendents and other educators from across the country who are helping their schools and school districts transition to digital learning.

He launched resources for educators to learn about best practices around the country. And he announced a series of 12 regional meetings nationwide to improve technology in classrooms.

Obama announced a plan last year to have 99 percent of American students connected to high-speed Internet within five years.