Rural Education Technology Story Lines: A Systematic Review

Overview & Synopsis

This presentation offers a systematic review of rural (PK-12) education technology literature. Drawing upon a social change framework (Ogburn, 1922), current rural education technology research within the subfield is collected, examined, and synthesized. The initial mapping of included literature lies within two broad themes: distance education for rural learning and in-person use of technology as part of rural schooling. Further, preliminary narrative analysis across these themes reveals potentially problematic rhetorical structures leaning on what could and should be happening, rarely delving into the whys associated with actual technology use. To assist supporting rural schools work with technology for the betterment of rural students and communities, future scholarship needs are discussed.