The Use Of Internet By School Students 

School Students 

A 2019 study of US students aged 3-18 in America showed that 19% of children only had access to a smartphone if their parents hadn’t obtained a high school certificate. In other words, they did not have a computer at home. Only one percent of students whose parents had achieved a bachelor’s degree or higher used only a smartphone for internet access. While 88% of students used a computer (desktop or laptop), 6% used a smartphone for school work and/or research. Children aged three to eighteen years old had between 83% (Native American) and 99% (Asian) internet access when assessed by ethnicity. Furthermore, 3% of Asians to 13% of Pacific Islanders (with other ethnicities between these percentages) could only access the internet with a smartphone. Another factor, apart from parents’ qualifications and ethnicity, that determined the results, was family income. 

Since the Covid pandemic, most teachers started using online teaching methods. In addition, students could access quality study materials like these chemistry questions and answers to track their progress and improve their knowledge. In many instances, the internet is also utilized in the classroom. This makes it critical that results such as the above statistics are improved to 100% internet and computer access for all students aged three to eighteen years, to give them an equitable education. 

However, other priorities are even more important than the type of device a student uses. We take a look at these.

Internet Infrastructure And Access

Rural areas are most impacted by a lack of infrastructure. Their only solution is often satellite services. There are numerous disadvantages to this option. 

Fiber internet, on the other hand, has higher speed, bandwidth, and stability and is being rolled out by providers in many new communities, such as this Vistancia Internet provider for schools and homes. Nevertheless, there are still some small rural communities without adequate internet access. 

Classroom Design

It may become necessary to redesign classrooms so that all students have access to the internet and devices. Activity areas where students rotate will allow every child to get an opportunity to complete all the required tasks. This is very different from current practices where students spend most of their days at their desks facing the educator.

Affordability

The costs of installing internet can be prohibitive for some poorer schools and neighborhoods. Many service providers will only provide free installation for accepting a 24 or 36-month contract. Those parents with debt may not qualify. The average installation cost for a basic wireless network is $350. Equipment costs are additional and can be bought or rented. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) include infrastructure, equipment, and devices. Users still need suitable devices to use ICT.

The Digital Divide

Globally, access to high-speed internet is limited to 1.1 billion individuals. In America, this has been named the digital divide. Policies and programs need to address inequities in ICT. Those who are disadvantaged in this regard can be adversely affected in socio-economic terms, qualifications, and job opportunities. Whole schools of students can be prejudiced.

Success In The Digital Age

Students need to be prepared for a vastly different working world than their parents experienced. This time has been called the 4th Industrial Revolution and entrants to the job market need very different skills and qualifications. Technology plays a central role in this, and digital skills are required.

It all starts with giving kids access to the internet and computers.