Internet And Education Relationships Provide Opportunities For Mutual Growth

The Internet has drastically affected the way Americans work and play, but how much has it affected the way we learn? The results of a new study by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) show that the potential for Internet use in education is extremely significant.

The results of the “Technology and Education” survey by CEA show that two-thirds of online adults expressed interest in participating in non-traditional education such as distance learning classes and self-study programs. In addition, 80 percent of parents surveyed also view the Internet as an important tool for their children’s education, both as a source of course material and for information about their child’s performance and homework assignments.

This tremendous interest also bodes well for the adoption of broadband Internet access, as more than half of current dial-up user respondents said they would be willing to upgrade their Internet connection to take a non-traditional education course.

The study results point to a combination of convenience and cost along with greater promotion of available resources as the keys to broader adoption of online educational opportunities. The vast majority of online adults cited convenience as important in selecting a non-traditional program (87 percent). This is also reflected in the preference to take classes in the comfort of home (79 percent). Prices that are below the cost of traditional classes are also important to the online education consumer, as 83 percent of online adults believe that online classes should be less than the cost of a traditional class.

“Not only is the Internet a great educational tool, but the non-traditional opportunities it provides act as a self-perpetuating catalyst for growth in broadband adoption,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “Educational opportunities give users more incentive to upgrade their connection, thus increasing the available distance learning content, in one large feedback loop. We must focus on better promoting the educational and other opportunities that exist on the Internet.”

Currently, awareness and usage of available classes and material are lagging behind consumer interest and demand. More than half (53 percent) of online adults have not yet participated in any type of non-traditional education. Furthermore, a third of parents are unaware of whether their child’s school has information available on the Internet.

The “Technology and Education” survey was conducted via the Internet with a sample of 1054 U.S. adults during July 2001. The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $499 by visiting www.eBrain.org or sending an e-mail to info@ebrain.org.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) represents more than 650 U.S. companies involved in the design, development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA’s members account for more than $70 billion in annual sales. CEA’s resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology(SM). All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• CEA Fall Conference and Industry Forum

  October 14-17, 2001, La Quinta, CA

• 2002 International CES – Your Source for

  Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology(SM)

  January 8-11, 2002, Las Vegas, NV

• 2002 CEA Winter Technology Summit

  March 3-6, 2002, Vail, CO

• 2002 CEA and EIA Spring Conference

  April 21-23, 2002, Washington, D.C.

• 6th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit

  June 19-21, 2002, Coeur d’Alene, ID