Home Internet

Back-to-school: Optimize your academic path with fast internet

Lisa Iscrupe,Hannah WhatleyAllconnect

Updated 1:10 pm ET Aug 15

Editorial note: This post may contain links to internet offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. Broadband partners and the associated compensation do not influence our editorial decisions. Read more about our advertising policy.

MoMo Productions, Getty Images

High-speed internet: A back-to-school essential 

Reliable, fast internet is now as essential for back-to-school preparation as paper and No. 2 pencils. Whether it’s for studying, research, organization or staying connected with teachers, home internet is a key part of your student’s success. 

As internet and Wi-Fi become increasingly essential for learning, sorting through the best online resources for your student can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this Back-to-School Internet Guide to make it easier, featuring answers to these key questions:

• Why is online learning important?
• Which resources keep kids motivated and organized?
• What are the best internet speeds for students?
• What online learning platforms do schools use?
• Where can I find free or low-cost internet and computers for students?  

Why is online learning important? 

Since 2020, online learning has skyrocketed, resulting in the rise of virtual classrooms that keep students connected even during snow days or other inclement weather. With remote learning here to stay, cheap internet access for school-age children is vital so that all students have equal learning opportunities. 

With the school year already underway in many parts of the country, there is a renewed focus on bridging the digital divide to prevent educational inequality, which could have lifelong repercussions. 

According to GovTech, most U.S. states — including Texas, California, New Jersey, and Connecticut — have digital learning plans that are updated as often as every three years. In higher education, over half of college students in 2022 reported taking at least one online course, according to The Hechinger Report. This data illustrates that the embrace of online learning is not just a pandemic reaction, but a cultural shift. 

Online learning resources and organization tools 

Traditional back-to-school supplies, like folders, rulers and highlighters, are still in demand in most classrooms. However, supplementing these necessities with web-based programs allows this generation of students to keep learning beyond the classroom. 

The following online learning resources can also help future graduates stay current with technology practices and tools they’ll likely encounter in the workforce. 

• Make learning fun: Various online learning platforms can keep your child engaged and on task with their studies. For instance, parents or guardians can use ABCmouse, Starfall and Khan Academy Kids to make learning fun for younger kids, while CK-12 Foundation has homework help and resources for all subjects and grade levels. 
• Stay organized: With all the social and sports commitments kids have these days, staying organized is another challenge. Online tools to help them manage their to-do lists, track assignments or take notes include Google Calendar and Microsoft OneNote. 
• Manage tasks: Apps like Todoist provide a comprehensive view of a student’s commitments and breaks down projects into manageable tasks. Meanwhile, Habitica gamifies productivity across various areas. Both apps offer free versions. 

Best internet speeds for student Wi-Fi

A good internet speed for your online learner depends on your household’s online activities and the number of connected devices. First, tally all your simultaneously connected devices, including laptops, cell phones and smart devices (e.g., Wi-Fi security cameras and smart appliances). Then, consider the internet activities of everyone in your household. 

Once you have this info, use these guidelines to determine the best download speeds for your household:

• Up to 100 Mbps for online school, browsing and light streaming on up to 10 devices. 
• Up to 1,000 Mbps (1 GB) for remote work, school and heavy streaming or gaming on up to 40 devices. Cable internet providers offer speeds up to 1 GB in most areas. 
• Multi-gig internet for the maximum internet consumption with over 40 connected devices. Ultra-fast speeds are only available with a fiber internet connection. 

Troubleshooting tips for home Wi-Fi

Fast internet speeds and a good home Wi-Fi connection are vital for students studying or taking classes online. Wi-Fi issues can disrupt focused study time, so here are a few resources to help you avoid those digital disruptions:

• How to fix Wi-Fi that isn’t working.
• Ways to speed up slow internet.
• Resolve speed throttling issues.

If these tips don’t successfully resolve your Wi-Fi troubles, it might be time to consider switching internet providers. 

Other benefits of internet access for students

Besides remotely attending standard lectures or lessons, affordable internet offers other key benefits for students, parents and teachers. Many school systems have adopted digital tools to replace paperwork, automatically track grades and communicate with faculty. 

 Examples of online platforms your school may use include: 

• Canvas: A learning management tool for students and teachers that can be used to manage assignments, submit work virtually and communicate with teaching staff. 
• PowerSchool: A platform for tracking grades and attendance or relaying administration updates. 
• Follett Destiny: An online library of books and other traditionally printed materials, as well as audiobooks, quizzes and interactive materials. 
• Google Apps for Education: A suite of cloud-based applications, such as Google Classroom, that teachers use to enhance traditional classroom learning. 
• Atomic Learning: Short “how-to” video content that covers thousands of topics, including technology training (not affiliated with the Atomic Learning app).

These services are cloud-based, meaning they can be accessed from an online portal anywhere with Wi-Fi. While these features offer free tutoring or other educational resources that would otherwise cost money, you still need some type of internet connection to access them.

Populated areas like Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX and New York City often have four or five internet providers available to any given address, so residents can shop around for the best deal. On the contrary, rural areas may have fewer options and typically rely on technology like fixed wireless or satellite internet. 

Internet deals for students and teachers

Back-to-school shopping can be expensive, and the cost of home internet can be an additional burden. Fortunately, free internet for students and teacher discounts are offered by multiple high-speed internet providers. For instance, T-Mobile 5G contributes free internet access for five years and discounted wireless devices through Project 10Million. 

If your child needs a laptop or tablet this school year, try shopping during a back-to-school tax-free weekend, or consider getting a free or discounted laptops from the following organizations: 

• Compudopt: Headquartered in Houston, TX, this non-profit collects, refurbishes and distributes free computers to qualifying students and households. The organization also offers tech and STEAM programs for every grade level. Compudopt operates in various cities over 18 states, including Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Detroit, MI; El Paso, TX; Mesa, AZ; Tampa, FL and Washington, D.C.
• PCs for People: Get low-cost refurbished computers for students anywhere in the U.S. Eligible participants can shop online or visit one of their retail locations in 10 cities, including Baltimore, MD; Kansas City, MO; Cleveland, OH; Philadelphia, PA and St. Paul, MN. 
• The On It Foundation: Started in Miami, FL, this foundation has expanded its reach to provide computers to eligible students nationwide. 
• SD Access 4 All program: This government initiative in San Diego, CA, offers free public Wi-Fi hotspots at hundreds of locations in the city and low-cost computers for eligible households. 

Get connected today for a better future

Access to wireless internet provides students with valuable additional resources outside the classroom for studying and homework help. Ensure your student is equipped with home internet and a computer this school year to take full advantage of these tools for accessing information and staying connected with teachers and peers.

Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.