The Internet as a Link Between the School and the Community

Focusing on school access provides an incomplete picture of the role the Internet might play in K-12 education. Students also connect from home, from libraries and other public locations, and from the homes of friends. In fact, for individuals under the age of 18, the home serves as the most frequent access point for 38% of Internet users. School computers serve as the primary access point for only 19% of users (UCLA Center for Communication Policy, 2000). When considering the broader role of technology in education, the opportunity for parents to connect to the Internet is also important. Educators see the Internet as a way to communicate with individual parents, as a way to provide information about academic assignments, and as a way to keep parents informed of important school events and issues (Huseth, 2001). Eighty-five percent of families with incomes in excess of $75,000 have Internet access. In contrast, 38% of families with incomes less than $25,000 have access (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2004). Variations in student skill developed because of variations in out of school experience and differences in the opportunity to complete assignments at home are growing concerns.

There are obvious challenges to home access and dangers in assuming home access is available. Family income, perceptions of the value of technology, experience using technology, and living in rural or remote settings are known concerns.

U.S. Department of Commerce (2004). A nation online: Entering the broadband age. Available: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/reports/anol/nationonlinebroadband04.htm

Annenberg Center for the Digital Future

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