The introduction of the internet has dramatically expanded our horizons, unlocking new opportunities for those who have access. From the ease and convenience of using search engines to plan the perfect holiday, to the ability to apply for jobs and attend interviews online. But for many rural communities, these opportunities remain out of reach.
Rural communities, which The Rural Urban Classification defines as settlements with less than 10,000 residents, are affected by a vicious cycle where a lack of access to digital resources leads to educational poverty, which, in turn, can often reinforce digital exclusion.
In this blog, we explore how digital exclusion and educational poverty are intrinsically linked, and share solutions to break the cycle.
The vicious cycle in rural communities
Studies show that residents of rural areas most frequently experience digital exclusion due to poor digital infrastructure. A lack of reliable internet connectivity via broadband or mobile phone and slow broadband speed continuously excludes residents from the online world (The Conversation). With whatever connectivity rural residents do have, there are other factors that often exacerbate their digital exclusion:
When combined, these factors create a significant barrier for people in rural communities, leaving them on the sidelines of our digital society.
Because of this, not only do rural communities face a barrier to the internet, they face a barrier to essential services that are typically becoming “digital by default” (The Conversation). With the digitalisation of education, health, retail, and advisory services, rural communities experience disparate and disproportionate opportunities, when compared to urban populations which have more reliable access to connectivity (Rural Lives Project).
This digital exclusion that persists in rural communities is known to have a negative effect on educational opportunities and mobility among rural residents (British Educational Research Journal). A lack of digital access, connectivity, and skills makes it difficult for students in these communities to access online learning resources, which are now integral parts of modern education. It also means that they may not be able to participate in online classes and courses, or complete and submit homework and assignments.
As well as this, digital exclusion can make it harder for teachers in rural communities to use digital tools to enhance their teaching. This can result in less effective teaching and learning, which can, in turn, lead to lower educational outcomes for students in these communities.
Rural digital exclusion can also make it more difficult for rural communities to attract and retain high-quality teachers. If teachers do not have access to the digital tools they need to do their jobs effectively, they may be more likely to seek employment in areas where such tools are readily available.
The impact of digital exclusion on education in rural communities then perpetuates digital exclusion in a number of ways:
By limiting educational outcomes, it can make it harder for people in rural communities to gain the skills they need to take part in the digital world fully.
The lack of digital tools in schools can mean that students are not getting the exposure to technology that they need to become comfortable with it. This lack of familiarity often becomes a barrier for people in later life as they don’t know how to utilise technology and digital resources.
The digital divide can discourage young people in rural areas from working towards certain careers, which can worsen digital exclusion in these communities. This is because these careers or job roles often require a certain level of digital literacy, and if young people do not have access to the necessary resources to develop this literacy, they may be less likely to consider these careers or may not qualify for job roles due to having limited digital skills.
How we can break the cycle
At We Are Group, we are dedicated to drawing connections between these issues and offering tangible solutions. Our strategy involves providing omnichannel services to upskill individuals with Digital Skills training and supplying necessary devices. Our aim is to not only provide the tools but also instil the confidence necessary for rural communities to navigate the digital world.
We work with our clients to create efficient Digital Skills training programmes that support their customers in the most effective way. And we harness the reach of our nationwide network of Community Partners to deliver these programmes locally – face to face in their home or at a centre – or remotely over the phone or via video call. Our Community Partners and Trainers are able to travel to wherever they are needed and are recruited in areas of demand, meaning no community, no matter how rural, is out of our reach.
We believe in teaching digital skills for life, such as online banking and shopping, cyber security, and app navigation, as well as digital skills for employment, including CV writing, video conferencing, and email. In 2023 alone, we gave over 5,000 people the skills and confidence to participate in the online world, delivering over 2,500 devices to those who needed it.
However, alongside us, our clients, and our Community Partners, the Government needs to play a more significant role in bridging the digital divide, to thereby reduce educational poverty, particularly in terms of digital infrastructure and connectivity. Our active involvement in and advocacy of the Digital Inclusion All-Party Parliamentary Group has also called for the Government to better promote digital inclusion support by improving the pathways to support and coordinating measures under one system.
In terms of essential infrastructure and connectivity, the Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published in 2023, aims for nationwide 5G coverage to all populated UK areas by 2030. And the new Technology Secretary’s (Peter Kyle) renewed push for Project Gigabit – a project launched under the previous Conservative administration – aims to achieve national coverage of gigabit-capable broadband by 2030. Whilst these initiatives will break down barriers for rural communities, does is come too late?
The target of 2030 means that numerous cohorts of students in rural communities will have to endure educational poverty due to digital exclusion. These cohorts will not be able to reap the benefits of nationwide 5G and fast broadband as it comes too late.
The time to act is now. We must ensure that the digital revolution does not leave rural communities behind but empowers them to reach their full potential. Here at We Are Group, we are delivering timely interventions and effective digital inclusion programmes. Partner with us to combat the digital divide, remove barriers to opportunity, and empower communities.
Listen to Kerry Booth, CEO of Rural Services Network, elaborate on the issues facing rural areas and discuss potential solutions in our podcast: Social Footprint podcast