Public-Use Data Files and Documentation: Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools, Fall 2002

Public-Use Data Files and Documentation: Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools, Fall 2002 Abstract This file contains data from a fall 2002 fast-response survey titled “Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools, Fall 2002.” This study was included in a series of fast-response surveys that have tracked access to information technology in schools and classrooms since 1994. These surveys provide trend analysis on the percent of public schools and instructional rooms with Internet access and on the ratio of students to instructional computers with Internet access. NCES released the results of the 2002 survey in the publication “Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools and Classrooms: 1994-2002.” Questionnaires and cover letters for the study were mailed to the principal of each sampled school in early October 2002, requesting that the questionnaire be completed by the technology coordinator or person most knowledgeable about Internet access at the school. Respondents were also offered the option of completing the survey via the Web. Telephone follow-up for survey nonresponse and data clarification was initiated later in October and completed in December. The final response rate was 92 percent. Respondents were asked about the number of instructional computers with access to the Internet, the types of Internet connections, support of computer hardware/software, technologies and procedures used to prevent student access to inappropriate material on the Internet, and computer availability outside of regular school hours. Respondents also provided information on school websites, the availability of hand-held and laptop computers for students and teachers, and teacher professional development on how to integrate the use of the Internet into the curriculum.

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