The Importance of Internet Connectivity for College Students

Reliable, high-speed Internet for kids in school has become essential, especially for college students. Students use the Internet to apply to colleges, scholarships, and financial aid, complete homework assignments, and do research. Outside of schoolwork, college students go online to seek employment, shop, relax, and contact friends and family. Students who lack Internet access or only have slow or unreliable connectivity risk falling behind academically, especially in online courses.

The relationship between the Internet and students is complex and multifaceted, impacting everything from academic success and future employment to student loneliness and mental health. With that in mind, let’s explore this relationship and what can be done to provide students with reliable, high-speed Internet access. 

How Internet Access Impacts Academic Success

The impact of the Internet on academic success begins in K-12. A study by the University of Michigan found students without Internet access and those who depend on cell phones as their only access point average half a grade point lower than peers with faster access. As Quello Center Associate Director for Research Keith Hampton, Ph.D., notes, “This gap has ripple effects that may last an entire life.” 

College studies increasingly require a reliable Internet connection for all academic activities: 

 Access to Online Resources

The Pew Research Center reports 73% of college students use the Internet more than libraries for research. Online databases such as PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and the Directory of Open Access Journals offer an international resource pool that few college libraries can match, and they are available whenever the student needs them. 

In addition to research databases, students with reliable Internet access can access sites such as Coursera, Udemy,  and Khan Academy for supplemental learning. Such sites allow students to explore new avenues of study, often for free. 

Virtual Classrooms and E-Learning

The 2020 pandemic saw the use of virtual classrooms and e-learning resources increase dramatically. Virtual classrooms use real-time video conferencing tools for classroom communication. Virtual labs and online learning management systems add to the interactive qualities of distance learning. 

Virtual courses are a popular option for students. The University of the Potomac reports that 30% of college students enroll in at least one online course, with 70% preferring online learning to traditional classrooms. Online courses often allow for more flexible scheduling than conventional classes and are usually less expensive. These advantages, of course, can only be fully accessed with reliable high-speed Internet.

Submission of Assignments and Digital Exams

Learning management systems such as Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle allow students to work on and submit assignments electronically and receive timely instructor feedback. College exams are increasingly written through digital platforms, necessitating access to some form of online device. 

How the Internet Impacts Personal and Social Development

Staying Connected with Family and Friends

Over 26% of first-year students struggle with loneliness as they adjust to life away from family. Video calls and social media help students stay in touch with family and friends during this period, providing a support system as students learn to navigate living alone for the first time. Without this contact, loneliness can hurt a student’s mental health and academic performance. 

Building Professional Networks

Reliable Internet access helps college students build and expand professional networks. Using platforms like LinkedIn and other professional networking sites, students can connect with industry professionals, alumni, and peers worldwide. These connections provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship, career guidance, and job prospects. 

Online students can also participate in virtual events, webinars, and conferences, gaining exposure to industry trends and expanding their knowledge beyond the classroom. The ability to network globally opens doors to internships and full-time positions that might otherwise be difficult to access. In addition, networking sites help students establish an online presence, including building their first digital portfolios or personal websites. 

Extracurricular Engagement

Today’s students grew up using the Internet to arrange social activities and meet people with similar interests. Once at college, they continue to use the Internet to find campus clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities through university websites and social media. 

Access to Financial and Career Opportunities

Job and Internship Searches

Internet resources allow students to explore job opportunities on and off campus, helping them develop skills and build resumes. Through platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Handshake, students can research career positions, reach out to possible mentors, and even engage in online internships, expanding their learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Scholarships and Grants

Connectivity makes finding scholarships, grants, and other financial aid easier. Many colleges have scholarship databases and the U.S. The Department of Labor offers a free scholarship search tool. Applying for financial assistance through the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps students secure loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. Students with online access can also find community scholarships and corporate-sponsored aid they might otherwise miss.

Freelancing and Gig Economy

Students need money even if they live and eat in campus dormitories. Part-time work is readily available online through freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Remote work is often more flexible than other forms of employment, making it easier for students to work around their classes and academic commitments. 

Challenges Faced by Students Without Reliable Internet

The Digital Divide

The digital divide describes the gap between those with access to modern information technology and those who do not. The divide may be the result of socioeconomic factors, geographic location, or a lack of infrastructure. The results are the same—the loss of the Internet’s opportunities and resources. For students, the digital divide can have serious consequences. Approximately 16% – 19% of college students have unreliable Internet connections or a lack of appropriate devices needed for online learning. 

Device use also impacts the digital divide. The New America Community College Drop-Off Survey reports that 73% of first-year students use laptops or desktops to access course content, with 21% relying on phones and tablets. Many learning management systems and academic resources are not optimized for cell phones, making it difficult for students to work on assignments, watch lectures, or participate in class discussions. 

Impact on Academic Performance

Poor or inconsistent Internet connectivity has multiple negative impacts on academic performance, including:

• Limited access to learning resources
• Reduced ability to participate in learning activities.
• Missed assignment deadlines
• Difficulty contributing to collaborative projects
• Limited ability to network. 

Mental Health Impact

College is stressful enough without technical problems. Slow connections, buffering screens, and other issues associated with inadequate Internet connections often leave students frustrated, which can impact motivation and result in depression or anxiety. 

The importance of the Internet for kids in school cannot be overstated. Reliable connectivity and appropriate devices offer students opportunities and resources they would otherwise miss. High-speed Internet connects first-year college students to their family and friends during a tumultuous life stage while making course scheduling and scholarship applications much more accessible. 

The digital divide needs to close. Investing in more resources and better digital infrastructure for underserved students can enormously impact academic performance and future careers. It’s an investment we can’t afford to miss. 

Is your Internet fast enough for your students? Use an Internet Speed Test to see how well your connection measures up. 

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