Digital Divide in Rural Native American Homes: A Student Perspective

Abstract

Native American homes located in rural western North Dakota have seen increased availability of broadband and fiber optic Internet but continue to have low access numbers. Native American homes in the region located outside population centers continue to have difficulty accessing the Internet. Many households continue to struggle with economic factors compounded by the cost of a device to access the Internet for personal, educational, or employment use. A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews and the grounded theory method investigated the Native American home environment. Interviews were conducted with Native American students attending a state university with insight into diverse digital environments. The cost of access and technical knowledge continue to be issues in the home. This research deepens the understanding of digital divide factors in Native American households, emphasizing the perspective of Native American students.