ORCID

Abstract

In this paper we look at how ICTs can become integrated into theworkings of rural communities; how they might find their place –both metaphorically in terms of the sense of community, andliterally as a particular space. This is set in the context ofchallenges rural villages face, particularly around social,economic and geographic marginalization and whether access todigital infrastructure can help to contribute to more socially anddigitally inclusive communities. We describe the results of a studyof rural villages in Cornwall, UK, a region characterized by ruraldeprivation, which has recently been part of a programmebringing superfast broadband to the region. The study aimed tounderstand the role of ICTs in rural villages, and the mechanismsfor digital infrastructure to be transformational at a local level. Inparticular, we focus on the role of the rural village hall to providea resource for supporting digital inclusion, and to be a ‘place’ forthe integration of digital skills and resources into the community.We used methods such as interviews, focus groups and surveysundertaken within the village settings and a case study of onevillage hall that has become a digital hub. In discussion we reflecton the need for ICT policy to recognize the role of the ‘place’ indigital inclusion that is relevant the particular characteristics ofrural communities.

Publication Date

2019-05-14

Publication Title

Proceedings of The 9th International Conference on Communities & Technologies - Transforming Communities

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