Equitable Access to Broadband Internet for Rural Families and Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Spatial Equity in Education: Addressing Rural Definitions, Policy, and Access (Table 8)

Abstract

Our study addresses: 1) What are the barriers to high-speed internet access and adoption in rural areas? and (2) How does the inequitable access to high-speed internet influence rural education, healthcare, and job stability, as well as community & social contexts? Our findings indicate that high-speed internet access is a vital spatial and educational inequity among rural individuals and families. This inequity not only plays a role in meeting the educational needs of rural families but also their professional/business, healthcare, and financial needs. Thus, it is imperative that rural schools, educators, practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders make a concerted effort to improve rural access to this critical piece of infrastructure for our communities and the nation.

Authors

• Matthew J. Irvin, University of South Carolina

• Nabil Natafgi, University of South Carolina

• Faith Albertson, University of South Carolina

• Jan Ostermann, University of South Carolina