Assessing Information Technology Educational Pathways that Support Deployment and Use of Rural Broadband

This action-based National Science Foundation-funded research project is prompted by the growth of broadband in industries in rural communities in which over 40% of households lack broadband capability. Through the multi-method pursuit of five rural community-focused need and barrier-focused research questions, the researchers are investigating the role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways in meeting the needs of rural employers and new technical professionals in rural communities in Northwest Florida. This research will lend important insight into the challenges to, in accordance with the iConference 2014 theme, “breaking down the walls” to sustainable broadband-supported economic development.