The Digital Horserace: An Analysis of Differences in Student Computer Use across the States and across the Years

Abstract

Using the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Data Explorer, this analysis documents differences in student computer use across the states and across the years. A few noticeable trends emerged. First, there was a significant increase in the frequency of computer use, particularly for math, between 1998 and 2003. Second, elementary school students in the states of West Virginia, Georgia, and Mississippi continually exceed the national average with respect to reported daily (or almost daily) computer use. Finally, there is a regional aspect to student computer use in schools. Spurred by West Virginia and Florida initially, states in the southeastern quadrant of the country have experienced policy diffusion and have engaged in what can best be described as a digital horserace.