The relationship between internet usage habits and student achievement

The invention of the Internet has brought countless advancements in communication, research, knowledge, and entertainment. Over the course of time, and as the Internet expanded, there have been mixed opinions in regard to the Internet’s place in schools. This has brought on the need for schools to develop policies to monitor and regulate student Internet activity in order to teach students to use the Internet as a tool to increase academic achievement. Michigan has consistently been one of the lowest performing states in regard to the SAT; thus, it is important for teachers and administrators to determine why. Through an Internet use survey adapted from The Pew Research Center’s Internet and Technology report titled “Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015,” this study surveyed 12th grade students at Blueville High School in Blueville, MI, to determine their levels of Internet access, Internet usage habits, and overall opinions of the Internet. Additionally, a focus group interview was conducted to further gain an understanding of Internet usage impact on student achievement. Survey results were compared to individual composite and component SAT scores, grade point averages, and socioeconomic factors (free/reduced lunch status). Results indicate some connection between Internet usage habits and student achievement, especially for those students who use the Internet for school-specific work