Degree Name
EdD (Doctor of Education)
Program
Educational Leadership
Date of Award
12-2013
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Catherine H. Glascock
Committee Members
Hugh W. Broome, Donald W. Good, James H. Lampley
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the availability of Internet access for students attending East Tennessee State University during the fall semester 2013. It has been unknown to what degree broadband access is available in the East Tennessee State University service area that includes counties in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina.
The research was conducted during the fall semester 2013 including the months of August, September, and October of 2011. Data were gathered by surveying currently enrolled students of the university. Seven hundred eighty-four students responded to the survey. The survey instrument covered areas of demographics and Internet connection type from home. In addition, the instrument covered usage of 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Service, ETSU computer labs, and high-speed Internet service for coursework.
The results of the data analysis provided insight into the availability, frequency of use, and perceived importance of high-speed Internet access for students at ETSU. For example, over 95% of the respondents had either a high-speed Internet connection or 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Service at their place of residence. Fifteen percent were dissatisfied with their current high-speed Internet service. Approximately 70% reported that high-speed Internet service was very important in completing coursework. This study provided an increase in the body of knowledge related to Internet access for ETSU students and the counties surrounding the university.
Document Type
Dissertation - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Sawyer, Thomas Scott, "Broadband Access for Students at East Tennessee State University" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2271. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2271
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.