Overcoming the digital divide in rural areas

In rural areas, limited internet access and a lack of digital devices can impede remote learning and preparation for future education and careers for pupils. Digital technologies can also support teachers, especially in schools experiencing teacher shortages. 

Digital technology has the potential to bridge distances and establish school networks to combat isolation due to remoteness by providing technology-mediated learning opportunities for pupils and teachers. For example, the EU Rural Virtual Classroom offers collaborative virtual spaces where rural schools can support each other by responding to staffing challenges and content access needs, and working together on innovative activities.

Connecting and empowering communities

Improving digital connectivity in rural areas via infrastructure initiatives is vital to developing all aspects of rural communities, including education. Awareness of digital possibilities in rural communities is also important in adopting new technologies, and should be promoted.

Rural communities in the same region can work together to implement digital approaches. The EU-funded Smart Rural 21 project aimed to promote and inspire villages to develop and implement ‘smart village’ approaches and strategies across Europe, draw conclusions and support future policy interventions. One of the examples explains how teaching is done fully remotely in a Finnish village.

Opportunities brought by artificial intelligence (AI)

AI-powered educational tools can help pupils with different learning needs who have limited access to specialised services. Virtual tutors and teaching assistants can support students with homework and teachers with grading and lesson planning. Offline, AI-powered learning tools for smartphones or tablets for areas with limited internet access can offer digital support in regions with unreliable internet access.