In this modern day and age, access to education has become quite widespread across the globe due to the advancement of technology and access to the internet. It should be a right for everyone to receive a good quality education regardless of where they live. However, even after all this progress there is still a lot to be done in this field as all the major education access is available to the urban side of any country. Whereas the ruralites are, as always, facing some sort of delay in development. Let’s look into E-Learning in rural communities and what sort of opportunities they are being presented with along with the hurdles faced by people to promote internet education for remote areas.
Bridging the gap between digital divide
One of the major challenges for ruralites is the access to the latest technology. It is crucial that this technology gap is minimized between rural and urban areas by providing the necessary amount of facilities and infrastructure to rural places. Rural areas are often neglected and underdeveloped, meaning ruralites have great difficulty in getting a good online education even if they have the funds for it. Access to the best internet in rural areas is essential for bridging this gap and ensuring that rural communities can benefit from online resources and opportunities. Below are some interesting facts about it.
Facts:
- The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) reported that around 19 million Americans lack access to broadband services at the minimum threshold speeds. This includes a major chunk of the rural population.
- Pew Research Center conducted a survey which concluded that around 58 percent of the rural adults have a complaint about having inadequate access to the internet in their areas. This alone shows how the rural areas are underdeveloped.
Role of the Government and NGOs
Both of these bodies play a pivotal role in improving the internet education for remote areas. There are multiple programs initiated to provide the necessary resources and facilities to the ruralites in order to support E-learning in their communities.
For example, the FCC’s Connect America Fund is aiming to improve the broadband services in the underserved areas of the country. Another prime example is of NCRERN (National Center for Rural Education Research Networks). This organization works towards the improvement of education in rural areas by focussing on the data and research within the rural schools.
Affordability of technology
The cost of technology is a major hindrance in the growth of rural communities. Even with the access of decent internet, the ruralites are often not able to afford the necessary technology to operate or gain benefit online through E-learning. This is indeed a significant barrier for e-learning in rural communities.
What can be done for this issue?
- Rural community centers and educational institutes could provide loaner devices for those students who are unable to afford one.
- More programs like Google’s Chromebook initiative must be provided. As this program offers budget friendly devices for the students who can’t afford expensive tech.
Teacher support and training
For effective internet education for remote areas, teachers need to be trained for using digital tools and methods of teaching online. However, there are lesser opportunities for professional development in the rural areas hence no major future growth.
It is advised that teachers should be enrolled in online training programs and webinars that can help them to develop the necessary skills to implement effective E-learning within the rural areas. Another great method would be to send rural teachers to urban and well developed institutes where they can learn under the mentorship of experts. Hence they can help bridge the gap between rural and urban learning by implementing their training lessons within their rural communities.
Making of customized curriculum
Standard curriculum might not be the best option for rural institutes as they don’t cater to their problems directly. E-learning platforms must be introduced that cater to their needs according to the rural environment that can be beneficial for e-learning in rural communities.
This tailored content can help address the educational gaps of the rural students. More interactive and engaging materials can be included to make e-learning more interesting and effective.
Addressing shortage of teachers
The US Department of Education claims that public schools in over 40 states have claimed a shortage of teachers for major subjects including math, science, computer science etc. This alone shows how big of a problem it is.
The best solution to this issue is the implementation of e-learning strategies to cover the shortages of these institutes. Rather than relying solely on physically present staff, the schools and colleges can hire online instructors to cover their shortages.
An opportunity for growth
Rather than relying on limited resources in rural communities, students can opt for e-learning to enhance their knowledge regarding their specific fields of interest. Hence ruralites will not feel restricted by the limited learning opportunities within their community.
Future of digital education in rural areas
The future of e-learning in rural communities is bright. There is an increase in awareness about digital equity for rural areas. Nevertheless, constant efforts are required to ensure that rural teachers and students have access to quality education regardless of their locations.
Trends to lookout for:
- 5G network expansions promising faster and more reliable data speedscan be used in remote areas effectively.
- Manufacturing of affordable technology that is tailor-made for rural educational purposes.
- Correct usage of government and NGO funds to bridge the digital gap.
Conclusion
The internet education for remote areas is still something to be improved upon. There are initiatives that are being taken to bridge the gap between rural and urban digital education opportunities. The rural people should definitely take advantage of such schemes to get the maximum benefit out of them. The teachers should learn and implement effective e-learning skills within their rural learning institutes whereas the students should focus on obtaining online certificates and degrees that cater to their needs and interests. On the other hand, the government and NGOs should make sure adequate steps are being taken to address this digital divide in a timely manner before it’s too late.
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