A Connect Michigan study has found that broadband availability in school increases test scores, CBS Detroit reports. As e-learning becomes an essential part of learning, increased access to broadband allows for critical online interaction, both in and out of the classroom. Broadband availability increases math and reading proficiency scores for students in grades 3 through 8, the study found, as well as the number of students who meet ACT college readiness benchmarks.
For e-learners–the approximately 2.4 million adults in Michigan who take online classes or do schoolwork online–broadband is essential for learning. Among adult Michigan broadband subscribers, 15 percent say the main reason for subscribing to broadband was that someone in their home needed it for school, and 14 percent of mobile broadband service providers use their cell phone for schoolwork.