CIS Faculty Publications Copyright (c) 2013 Western Kentucky University All rights reserved. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cis_fac_pub Recent documents in CIS Faculty Publications en-us Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:25:53 PDT 3600 Implications on Rural Adult Learning in the Absence of Broadband Internet http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cis_fac_pub/3 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cis_fac_pub/3 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:44:45 PST The purpose of this study was to establish a deeper understanding of the educational needs of rural-based learners within the context of online learning opportunities. It was hoped to ascertain whether rural learner’s needs differ in terms of learning choices from that of their urban counterparts. The basis for the urban examples is based totally upon available literature. This study is particularly interested in identifying predictors for why rural learners choose to participate in online based adult and community education using a case study approach. Seven themes were identified during this study and are presented as a model for potential predictors of formal and informal online learning in rural communities.

]]> J. Kirk Atkinson Potential Solutions to Rural Broadband Internet Deployment http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cis_fac_pub/1 http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cis_fac_pub/1 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:11:30 PDT Broadband availability in rural areas continues to be a major topic of concern in many areas of the country but especially in our rural communities. Several grassroots organizations, including the Wireless Communication Association International and the Rural Broadband Coalition, were created for the sole purpose of closing the “Digital Divide” for underserved Americans. Government should support efforts to offer broadband to the masses, but in some cases special legislation is required to pave the way. In Kentucky, the Supreme Court rendered an August 2005 decision that may have severely hindered broadband deployment by restricting rural electric cooperatives from providing any service other than that of electricity. It is unclear whether this decision adversely affected rural cooperative’s plans to pursue providing high-speed Internet to their constituents but it certainly caused them to their entrance into a less than competitive market for rural areas.

Reacting relatively quickly to this decision the Kentucky Legislature passed legislation that empowered these organizations to once again offer services like Internet, long distance telephone, and propane gas service (ConnectKentucky, 2006).

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