Internet Access Technology and the Learning Experience

Abstract

Internet-based technologies are now commonplace in support of learning, whether the students are remote from campus or not. Many factors impact on student experience of these systems, such as the design of the learning experience, the attributes and experience of the learners, but also technical performance. Access speed, geographic location and network traffic all affect how students interact with the technology and hence the learning experience. Internet access options in Australia differ considerably between metro and rural/remote areas; effectively marking a digital divide. The National Broadband Network (NBN) will provide 'superfast broadband' access to all premises in Australia. This study investigates whether the NBN will overcome or entrench the digital divide in the context of online learning tools. This paper discusses how learning experience relates to technical performance parameters and contrasts this information with key parameters of the NBN. The study suggests that a digital divide will remain for locations that have to rely on satellite Internet access, even once the NBN has been deployed.