Internet Use in Schools

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has released a report on Internet use in the classroom. Staff at approximately one thousand public schools were surveyed about their Internet capabilities. The study found that almost one hundred percent of public schools have access to the Internet. Eight years ago, only thirty-five percent of schools had Internet access. Schools with higher minority enrollment and greater poverty levels had fewer classrooms with Internet access when compared to schools with a lower minority population and less poverty. Schools with higher minority populations and greater poverty levels, however, were more likely to have a broadband connection. Broadband connections are faster than other types of Internet connections.

The report also contains information specific to students with disabilities. IDEA provides that students with disabilities receive specially designed instruction. This can include adaptive and assistive computer hardware (equipment) and software (programs). The study found that:

About 60 percent of schools that have students with disabilities provided assistive or adaptive hardware;
Between 39 and 56 percent provided assistive or adaptive hardware;
Secondary schools were more likely to provide such technology than elementary schools;
Schools with higher minority populations were less likely to provide such adaptive and assistive hardware; and,
The larger the school, the more likely special software would be provided.

Schools use the Internet not only as an education tool, but also to create Websites that allow parents to find out about school events and communicate with the administration and teachers. Most schools reported using programs to block students' access to inappropriate websites.

To read the entire report, click http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/2002018.pdf.

Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, 202.502.7300 (voice), http://nces.ed.gov (website).