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A recent study conducted by Michigan State University (MSU) reveals that advancements made in broadband and internet connectivity in rural communities in Michigan are beginning to regress. Despite progress during the COVID-19 pandemic, about 32.5% of rural students still lack sufficient and fast broadband home internet. This lack of access hinders their ability to complete homework and stay connected, leading to deficits in academic performance and well-being.

Approximately 18% of Michigan residents live in rural communities, a higher percentage compared to the national average of 14%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The study suggests that there is a need to shift focus from simply filling the infrastructure gaps for home internet access to ensuring long-term access for households.

The research was conducted by Keith Hampton, Johannes Bauer, and Gabriel Hales from MSU’s Quello Center, in collaboration with 13 local school districts in St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency and the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District. They surveyed nearly 3,000 students in grades 8-11, collecting data in 2019 and again in 2022.

The study found that the number of students with home internet access decreased compared to the peak of the pandemic. In the 2020-21 school year, 95.6% of students had internet access at home, but by 2022, it dropped to 93.2%. During the pandemic, school districts provided Wi-Fi hotspots to students without internet access, which resulted in about 44% of students eventually finding alternative sources of home internet access.

The study also highlighted the importance of having access to devices for online learning. While school districts distributed laptops and Chromebooks during the pandemic, the number of students receiving these devices decreased as schools returned to primarily in-person instruction. However, access to a computer at home increased among rural students, reaching 91.2% by the end of the 2021-22 school year.

The study emphasizes the need for sustained efforts to improve connectivity and access to appropriate devices. It also highlights the importance of integrating online learning into traditional modes of instruction to enhance students’ digital skills.

Overall, the study’s findings indicate that additional measures are necessary to address the remaining gaps in internet connectivity, especially for rural, low-income, and underserved populations.

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