Scaling the Digital Divide: Home Computer Technology and Student Achievement

Abstract

Does differential access to computer technology at home compound the educational disparities between rich and poor? Would a program of government provision of computers to early secondary school students reduce these disparities? We use administrative data on North Carolina public school students to corroborate earlier surveys that document broad racial and socioeconomic gaps in home computer access and use. Using within‐student variation in home computer access, and across‐ZIP code variation in the timing of the introduction of high‐speed Internet service, we also demonstrate that the introduction of home computer technology is associated with modest, but statistically significant and persistent negative impacts on student math and reading test scores. Further evidence suggests that providing universal access to home computers and high‐speed Internet access would broaden, rather than narrow, math and reading achievement gaps. (JEL I2, J24)

Ethnicity, digital divides and uses of the Internet for health information

“…Although digital divide conceptions define Internet access in terms of race and class disparities (e.g., Ginossar & Nelson, 2010;Jeffres, Neuendorf, & Atkin, 2012;Laz & Berenson, 2013;Lee, Ramirez, Leis, Gray, & Hornik, 2012;Pingree & Hawkins, 1996;Rice & Katz, 2001; van Dijk, 2005van Dijk, , 2006Vigdor & Ladd, 2010;Vishwanath et al, 2006), the concept also encompasses psychological factors determining computer use (e.g., Eastin & LaRose, 2000;Han et al, 2009;Ruppel & Rains, 2012;Whitten, Kreps, & Eastin, 2009). Dupagne and Salwen (2005) emphasize the critical public policy debate driving this issue, one defined in terms of disparities in internet access among different social groups.…”

“…Research (e.g., Chakraborty & Bosman, 2005;Ginossar & Nelson, 2010;Hargittai, 2009;Lee, 2009;NTIA, 2010;Pew, 2012;Rice & Katz, 2003;Vigdor & Ladd, 2010) suggests that home Personal Computer (PC) ownership and Internet access are two key challenges defining the digital divide. To the extent that online health applications can enhance preventative healthcare-and even supplement costlier in-person treatment interventions-wider diffusion of online health affordances could help curtail skyrocketing medical costs (e.g., Han et al, 2009).…”

“…These disadvantaged groups may be less able to avail themselves to such information due to their lack of access, skills, motivation or knowledge-based media habits (Dupagne & Salwen, 2005;Hargittai, 2008;NTIA, 2004NTIA, , 2010Rice, 2006; van Dijk, 2006;Vigdor & Ladd, 2010;Whitten et al, 2009), even though their need for health information is as great as in privileged communities (Davis, 2002;Detlefsen, 2004;Pingree & Hawkins, 1996;Wyatt, 2005).…”

“…That said, only 57% have a high-speed Internet connection (Pew, 2012), as racial and economic divides continue to define digital divides (NTIA, 2010), particularly in e-health domains (Ginossar & Nelson, 2010). Vigdor and Ladd (2010) suggest that a generalized sense of distrust of online technology may be contributing to underutilization of the Internet by some, particularly within disadvantaged and minority communities.…”

Explaining changes in the racial digital divide in the United States from 1997 to 2007

“…2. Interestingly, Vigdor and Ladd's (2010) research suggests that home computer access might not necessarily improve educational outcomes for children in middle school. 3.…”