ABSTRACT
Written by Jon Reidel, a colleague of Dalton’s at CFES (College for Every Student), Chapter 7 discusses how technology can be leveraged to improve opportunities in rural communities. The chapter begins with a case study that shows how technology difficulties were exasperated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This digital divide highlights the gap between those who have access to information through technology and those who do not. As online learning provides flexibility and access to advanced courses, rural students are often left behind. The chapter provides examples of schools that are using innovative strategies to lead online instruction. Tips that parents can use to create an optimal virtual learning home environment are provided. These include creating a learning space and sticking to a schedule. This chapter provides tips that teachers can use to build relationships and engage students before ending with ways technology can be leveraged in a way that allows rural students to work for large companies from their home communities.
