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Sent: 2026-07-02
From: EIU
To: Various Recipients
From: EIU
To: Various Recipients
Subject: Invitation to Participate in a Research Study: Rural Online Higher Education
Dear, Student/Alumnus-
My name is Amanda Groves, a Research Assistant and Ed.D. student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am inviting you to participate in a research study titled "Rural Online Higher Education: An Anti-Deficit View of the Digital Divide."
This research aims to better understand the experiences of both rural and non-rural students in online higher education. We know that rural students often face unique challenges related to internet access, devices, and digital skills, known as the "digital divide.” However, many successfully pursue online education to overcome geographical barriers and "education deserts" – areas with limited college opportunities. The study seeks to uncover:
• Why rural online students choose online higher education.
• How rural online students are impacted by barriers to device access, internet access, and digital literacy in their coursework.
• The relationship between digital access and digital literacy for rural online students.
This study will include participants who identify as residing in rural – OR – non-rural areas for comparison. Ultimately, this research will provide valuable insights for educators and administrators to develop powerful tools and enabling practices that aid rural student success in online higher education. This work can contribute to closing educational equity issues in the U.S. and improving support for rural online students.
Your participation would involve two potential parts:
1. An Online Survey: This survey will ask about your residence, online education experiences, digital literacy, and technology tools. It will take no more than 30 minutes to complete.
2. Optional Focus Group Interview: After the survey, a select group of participants may be invited to a follow-up semi-structured focus group interview. This interview will delve deeper into your online learning experiences and is expected to last no longer than 60 minutes. Your participation in the focus group is entirely voluntary and separate from the survey.
Regarding risks or discomforts, you might experience some discomfort when describing your background related to digital literacy and online education. If you rely on public internet or Wi-Fi networks, security breaches are a potential, though minimal, risk. You are free to skip any questions or topics that make you uncomfortable.
I am committed to protecting your privacy and the c
My name is Amanda Groves, a Research Assistant and Ed.D. student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am inviting you to participate in a research study titled "Rural Online Higher Education: An Anti-Deficit View of the Digital Divide."
This research aims to better understand the experiences of both rural and non-rural students in online higher education. We know that rural students often face unique challenges related to internet access, devices, and digital skills, known as the "digital divide.” However, many successfully pursue online education to overcome geographical barriers and "education deserts" – areas with limited college opportunities. The study seeks to uncover:
• Why rural online students choose online higher education.
• How rural online students are impacted by barriers to device access, internet access, and digital literacy in their coursework.
• The relationship between digital access and digital literacy for rural online students.
This study will include participants who identify as residing in rural – OR – non-rural areas for comparison. Ultimately, this research will provide valuable insights for educators and administrators to develop powerful tools and enabling practices that aid rural student success in online higher education. This work can contribute to closing educational equity issues in the U.S. and improving support for rural online students.
Your participation would involve two potential parts:
1. An Online Survey: This survey will ask about your residence, online education experiences, digital literacy, and technology tools. It will take no more than 30 minutes to complete.
2. Optional Focus Group Interview: After the survey, a select group of participants may be invited to a follow-up semi-structured focus group interview. This interview will delve deeper into your online learning experiences and is expected to last no longer than 60 minutes. Your participation in the focus group is entirely voluntary and separate from the survey.
Regarding risks or discomforts, you might experience some discomfort when describing your background related to digital literacy and online education. If you rely on public internet or Wi-Fi networks, security breaches are a potential, though minimal, risk. You are free to skip any questions or topics that make you uncomfortable.
I am committed to protecting your privacy and the c