Broadband: A Solution for Rural e-Learning?

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Robin Mason
The Open University, UK

Frank Rennie
University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute, Lews Castle College, UK
The study focuses on the potential adoption of wireless broadband in the Western Isles of Scotland, and provides a community perspective with local facilitation and training.

International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning
(April - 2004)
ISSN: 1492-3831
Broadband: A Solution for Rural e-Learning?

Abstract
Rural and remote learners are disadvantaged even with online provision due to poor connections. Broadband offers a potential solution. This paper looks at the initial results of a project to install broadband services in the Western Isles of Scotland. It focuses on the educational potential of broadband and the design implications for online courses. It also considers more informal kinds of learning that broadband facilitates in rural areas.