Introduction
The digital divide is an ongoing issue in today’s society and is especially prevalent in rural communities. Due to the need for more infrastructure and resources, technology access in rural communities often needs to catch up to their urban counterparts. This issue has far-reaching implications, as a lack of access to technology can lead to a lack of job opportunities, difficulty obtaining essential services, and difficulty accessing educational resources. To bridge this digital divide, we must address the underlying causes and provide help to those who need them most. This essay will discuss the contemporary issue of low technology access in rural communities, the research process employed, and the innovative solutions developed to solve the problem. It will also explore the prototype created, testing stages, and feedback encountered. Finally, it will reflect on the overall process and its contribution to lifelong learning.
Identifying the Contemporary Issue
The contemporary issue identified is rural communities’ lack of access to technology. This issue was identified through an observation of the way technology is used in urban and rural areas and the disparities between the two (Elahi et al., 2022, p. 34). Desk research was conducted to understand the issue and the potential solutions further.
Defining the Problem
The problem identified was that rural communities could not access the same technology as their urban counterparts due to a lack of infrastructure and resources. This meant that those living in rural areas could benefit from different opportunities than those in urban areas could access (Elahi et al., 2022, p. 34). Rural communities’ need for more access to technology results in several adverse outcomes. For example, rural students may have access to a different quality of education than their urban peers. They may need access to online resources, such as online courses and educational materials, that could help them to stay on top of their studies (Frank et al., 2022, p. 277). In addition, rural businesses may have access to a different technology than their urban counterparts, which could limit their ability to compete in the marketplace. Furthermore, rural residents may have access to other services, such as health care, available in urban areas. This can lead to a lack of access to the health care they need, leading to poorer health outcomes (Adepoju et al., 2022, p. 465). Finally, the lack of access to technology can also lead to a lack of access to employment opportunities, as employers may not be able to access the same resources to hire workers in rural areas.
Defining Solutions and Selecting Solutions
The solutions identified included increasing access to technology in rural areas, providing training and support for those living in rural areas and providing resources to help those living in rural areas access technology. The solution chosen was to provide resources to help those living in rural areas access technology (Elahi et al., 2022, p. 34). This was selected as it was seen as the most feasible solution and the one that could be implemented quickly and easily.
To increase access to technology in rural areas, resources can be allocated to help cover the costs of high-speed internet, computer hardware, and software. Resources can also be used to train and support those living in rural areas, guiding the use of technology and instruction on the skills necessary to use technology effectively (Campbell and Goldstein, 2022, p. 284). Furthermore, local libraries and other public spaces can be equipped with computers and internet access to provide people in rural areas with a space to use technology (Ahmed et al., 2022, p. 10). Additionally, partnerships can be formed with local schools, businesses, and government agencies to give people in rural areas access to the latest technology and resources (Frank et al., 2022, p. 278). These solutions can help bridge the digital divide and give people living in rural areas access to technology vital to participation in the modern economy.
Description of the Prototype
The prototype created was a mobile app that would provide access to resources such as tutorials, videos and other materials to help those living in rural areas access technology. The app would also provide links to local organizations and resources that could be used to help those living in rural areas access technology (Elahi et al., 2022, p. 34). Additionally, the app would make it easier for users to connect with others in their local area, providing access to mentors who could help them learn how to use new technologies. The app would also provide access to information on the latest technologies and current events in the technology industry so that users could stay updated with the latest innovations (Durand et al., 2022, p. 33). Finally, the app would also include a forum where users could ask questions and interact, providing a platform to help them learn and share experiences.
The app would provide much-needed access to technology to rural communities, many of which lack access to the same resources as more urban areas. The app would offer tutorials, step-by-step instructions, and videos that could be used to help teach users how to use the latest technology (Campbell and Goldstein, 2022, p. 282). This would bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas and help to level the playing field for those who have not had access to the same opportunities. The app would also offer information on local events, workshops, and other activities to help users access the latest technologies and the resources they need to understand and use them (Adepoju et al., 2022, p. 459). By providing access to the latest technologies and resources, this app would help to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities and help to ensure that everyone has access to the same resources.
Description of Testing Stages and Feedback
A small team of residents from a small rural town tested the prototype. A positive response was received, with users finding the tools and app user-friendly. Additionally, users offered suggestions for the app’s enhancements and new functions (Elahi et al., 2022, p. 34). However, the need for more technology in rural areas was the biggest obstacle to the app’s development. Many of these towns don’t have dependable internet connections, and some don’t have essential amenities like electricity (Adepoju et al., 2022, p. 461). This indicates that many of the users who may most benefit from the software cannot access it.
Their inability to take advantage of the same chances as people in urban regions is significantly impacted by this lack of technological availability in rural communities. This can include having access to vital services like healthcare, education, and employment, which can be important for these communities’ general well-being (Campbell and Goldstein, 2022, p. 281). Due to the limited resources accessible to them, these communities may find themselves at a disadvantage if they lack access to technology. Additionally, these communities might only be able to benefit from the digital technologies that are increasingly common in the modern world, such as online banking and digital payments, with access to technology. The lack of access to modern technology can have a detrimental effect on the communities, as it can restrict their access to important services and opportunities available to those with access to modern technology (Adepoju et al., 2022, p. 460). Additionally, there is a digital divide between rural and urban communities, with rural communities at an even greater disadvantage when accessing technology.
Reflection
The design thinking approach has given us tremendous insight into addressing today’s problems. It has also demonstrated the value of investigating and comprehending the issue before coming up with answers (Elahi et al., 2022, p. 34). The procedure has also demonstrated the value of testing and feedback and how they may be used to develop and enhance the solution. This process has been a worthwhile educational opportunity that has helped me understand how to approach challenging issues.
This process led to identifying the lack of technology access in rural areas as a significant problem that requires attention. Due to the widespread effects of poor access to technology, this problem is especially concerning (Campbell and Goldstein, 2022, p. 280). Due to their limited access to cutting-edge technology, rural towns are frequently left behind, which can cause issues in various sectors, including business, healthcare, and education (Adepoju et al., 2022, p. 460). Additionally, the need for more resources in rural areas makes getting the necessary technology and training challenging. Creating plans to guarantee rural communities access to the same technology as urban ones are crucial (Raza et al., 2022, p. 1198). This could include providing resources, training, and other support to ensure that rural communities can benefit from technology and all the opportunities it can bring.
To bridge this lack of technology access gap, the development team needs to consider the needs of rural communities and the solutions available to them. This could include developing low-cost solutions, such as mobile apps that can be accessed without an internet connection or partnering with local organizations to provide access to technology to rural communities.
Conclusion
In summary, it is critical to address the problem of rural communities’ limited access to technology. The problem has been identified, and creative solutions have been developed to address it. It is possible to give rural populations access to technology and resources by creating a mobile app prototype. To guarantee that rural communities have access to the same opportunities as metropolitan ones, additional solutions must be devised. This could involve offering resources, training, and other forms of support to guarantee that rural communities can take advantage of technology and its potential. Through design thinking, it is possible to develop innovative solutions to complex issues and ensure everyone has access to the same resources and opportunities.
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