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New research from Michigan State University has revealed concerning disparities in internet access for school-aged children in rural areas. The study highlights that these gaps have widened during the pandemic.

During the height of remote instruction in the 2020-2021 academic year, there was a notable 16% increase in rural internet access. This boost was made possible through COVID-era funding, which allowed schools to acquire Wi-Fi hotspots for students to take home.

However, as in-person instruction resumed, researchers observed a reversal in this trend. In the current academic year alone, there has been a 2.4% decline in internet access among rural students.

Lead author Keith Hampton suggests that providing solutions like hotspots to students without access can help alleviate the negative impacts. The consequences of limited internet access are immediate and include reduced academic performance. Furthermore, it can affect a student’s interest in pursuing higher education or careers in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

Gabriel Hales, a co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of fostering interest in STEM among rural students. With the growth of STEM-related jobs and the economic potential for rural areas, encouraging STEM education is crucial.

While longer-term solutions such as changes in broadband policy or infrastructure are necessary, they will take time to implement. Hampton emphasizes the need for immediate measures to bridge the rural home internet divide, ensuring that rural students do not continue to face these significant disadvantages due to lack of access.

Efforts to reduce the digital divide in rural areas are essential to ensure that all students have equal opportunities for success in their educational journeys.

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