Promoting Rural Entrepreneurship through Technology: A Case Study using Productivity Enhancing Technology Experience Kits (PETE-Kits).
CoRR(2023)
摘要
Contribution: Case study of a rural-focused educational program with two
components: 1) introducing high school students and teachers to Smart and
Connected Technologies (SCTs) that can be used to solve local problems; 2)
engaging the local community in supporting local technology-driven
entrepreneurship.
Background: Rural communities typically lag behind in terms of participation
in the digital economy, and use of technology in general. Yet they often have
the most to gain, due to high rates of self-employment and lower private-sector
job opportunities.
Research Questions: Can a broadly-scoped rural technology education program
lead to improvements in 1) student and teacher SCT awareness, 2) SCT skills, 3)
aspirations for future SCT use directed toward entrepreneurship and overall
community wellbeing?
Methodology: Our multidisciplinary team used a mixed-methods approach to
engage a rural high school robotics team as well as the local community. Over
the course of one year, students took part in hands-on-training with SCTs
("PETE-Kits" and associated curriculum) and brainstormed entrepreneurial
projects via ideation events. Community members were involved at the beginning
and end of the project, including judging a "shark-tank" style event where
student business ideas using SCT were presented.
Findings: Results from student pre / post activity assessments suggest that
the program was effective at increasing comfort with technology and combining
technical skills with entrepreneurial opportunities. Post surveys from
community members, including teachers, demonstrated clear support for the
program and an appreciation of how SCTs / digital skills could benefit the
local economy and wellbeing.
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关键词
rural entrepreneurship,productivity,pete-kits
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