How
does computer and Internet access differ among Caucasians
and African Americans?
When we asked these different populations if they
had access to a computer at home, access was essentially
the same (97 percent of white students and 94 percent
of black students). There was only a marginal difference
in Internet access too.
Are
Caucasian students more likely to have their own
computer? Do they, in general, have more computers
in their home than African American students?
No and yes. A higher
proportion of Caucasian students have four or
more computers at home.
Are
there any differences in Internet use by students
of color compared to white students?
Only a slight difference.
In terms of weekly Internet use, black students
tended to use the Internet more frequently than
their white counterparts.
What
are the primary reasons these populations of students
are using the Internet?
For both African American
and Caucasian students, an overwhelming majority
reported using the Internet to send or receive
email (59 percent versus 67 percent respectively).
What
proportion of these students are searching college
web sites or using other web-based information about
colleges?
Thirty-six percent of African
American students and 31 percent of Caucasian
students are visiting individual college web sites
to obtain college information. It is interesting
to note, however, that a slightly higher proportion
of African American students reported using college
portal sites such as the College Board's College
Quickfinder and FastWeb.
