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Outreach ->
Community & Economic Development ->
Information Technology
Information Technology
What is Information Technology?For our purposes, we define information technology, or "IT" as:
- A term referring to both telephony and computer technology.
- IT includes all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange, and use information in its various forms (business data, voice conversations, still images, motion pictures, multimedia presentations, and other forms, including those not yet conceived).
- When we use the term IT, we are talking about the:
- Hardware,
- Software,
- Internet service,
- Cables and wires,
- Boxes with blinking lights,
- As well as the ability to manage and use IT to participate effectively in the "knowledge economy."
Examples of IT investmentAdvanced telecommunication facilities, a trained work force, and high quality access to broadband, wireless, or other communication vehicles are examples of IT investments by various groups.
MissionTo educate rural residents and policymakers about Information Technology (IT) and empower them to make informed IT decisions to enhance the development of their community.
VisionRural communities more thoroughly understand the role IT plays within the economic health of their communities and successfully employ economic development strategies to improve their overall quality of life.
ObjectivesTo achieve this vision, the Rural Information Technology Planning Project has the following objectives:
- Local leaders understand the IT possibilities available for their community.
- Rural communities have access to information networks where they can both share information and learn from their peers.
- Residents and community leaders make informed decisions regarding IT based on their participation in assessment and planning activities.
- Communities utilize an IT action plan to increase their opportunities for job creation, retention, and job development.
- Community leaders are connected to broad networks that keep them current about technology advances and funding opportunities.
- Rural cities participating in this project will develop a long-term vision to reach a higher quality of life using technology advances.
StrategiesThe objectives will be reached using the following strategies for four rural communities:
- Information Technology Action Research Teams (ITART) will be created in participating cities to locally drive the technology planning process based on community needs.
- IT assessments will be conducted with the ITART and other rural leaders to evaluate the community's infrastructure.
- Regional workshop will be presented to ITART by experienced economic developer on how technology can foster local economic development efforts.
- A technology MAPPING process will be conducted with public and private sector representatives to create an action plan of high priority IT-enhanced economic development goals.
- Participants will be linked with funding resources to implement high-priority IT goals.
- Enlist VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) members who will act as a resource for communities to achieve their goals through building the capacity of the community.
- Offer technology sessions for ITART and other interested community members at IIRA's 14th Annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference.
- Provide links to outside consultants who will enhance the ITART knowledge and skills to accomplish their goals.
Performance IndicatorsThe following indicators will be used to monitor the activities in this program:
- Number of communities/counties with completed technology action plan with implementation underway.
- Number of ITART working on technology related projects and increased use of IT by government, business, education, and residents in the community.
- Public and private investment on technology in community.
- Local jobs created as an outcome of involvement in this technology project.
Links
- Rural Information Technology Planning Project
- Publications
- Assessments
- Best Practices
- Economic Development
- Education
- Government Resources
- IT Public Policy and Management
- Resources and grants
- Technology Glossary
- Toolkits
Project Staff
Gisele Hamm, M.A.
Technology Specialist
309-298-4019
Email: GF-Hamm@wiu.edu
Support for the Rural Information Technology Planning Project was provided by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the USDA-Rural Development, and the Governor's Rural Affairs Council.
