A systematic assessment of non-response bias is in process. These percentages did not differ substantially between ResNet and other residences. Further study is required to determine if ResNet modem use, which is discouraged, is due to the cost of Ethernet hardware, perceived complexity of Ethernet software installation, requirement for access to external bulletin boards not accessible via the Internet, or other factors. The overall percentage of students reporting use of television for assignments was 12 percent. It appears that the University launched ResNet at the ideal time to leverage the explosive growth of scholarly interest in the Internet.
Nettlesome issues remain, however.
For example, in academic buildings there are few ports available to attach an Ethernet-ready laptop. Finally, our biggest challenge is likely to be providing students who don't live in the residence halls with cost-effective access to data networking services equivalent to those available to ResNet students. This remote access is equally important to faculty and staff from their homes as networked computing becomes a key component in the way people live, learn, teach, and work at Penn. Because some students did not respond to every question, the totals vary slightly from the 1,160 total survey respondents.