22. July 2025
Admin
Should Free Internet Be Given to All Schools?
Arguments in Favor
Providing free internet access to all schools can significantly improve the quality of education. With internet access, students and teachers can tap into a vast array of resources — from academic journals, instructional videos, and interactive tools to virtual labs and global learning platforms. This helps in bridging the educational gap between urban and rural schools.
In today's digital age, internet literacy is essential. Giving all schools free internet ensures that students develop the skills needed to compete in a technology-driven world. It also enables online learning, digital collaboration, and coding education, all of which prepare students for the modern job market.
Furthermore, teachers benefit immensely from internet access. It allows them to improve their lesson planning, access up-to-date content, and join online training or professional development programs. Free internet also supports e-administration, reducing paperwork and improving school management efficiency.
Arguments Against
While the internet offers many benefits, giving all schools free access comes with concerns. First, it can lead to distractions among students. Without proper monitoring, students may misuse internet access for non-academic purposes, such as playing games, watching inappropriate content, or accessing social media during school hours.
Another issue is infrastructure. Not all schools, especially in rural areas, are equipped with the computers or power supply necessary to take advantage of internet connectivity. Simply providing free internet without supporting tools and trained personnel may render the effort ineffective or wasteful.
Additionally, implementing nationwide free internet access for schools requires a substantial financial commitment. Critics argue that these funds might be better spent on improving basic infrastructure — classrooms, books, teacher salaries, and school feeding programs — before prioritizing internet access.
Conclusion
Free internet access in schools has the potential to revolutionize education, offering opportunities for digital learning, equity, and modern skill development. However, its success depends on infrastructure, monitoring, and responsible usage. For best results, governments and stakeholders should provide not only free internet but also digital tools, teacher training, and effective policies to ensure it enhances — rather than hinders — learning.
