Abstract
Despite advances in digital technologies, Native American students continue to face significant barriers to broadband access, digital literacy, and technological adoption, exacerbating educational inequities. With less than 50% of Native American households having stable internet access, students face significant barriers in education, employment, and community engagement. This study explores Native American students' perceptions of the digital divide through qualitative interviews and thematic analysis. Findings highlight key challenges: cost, geographic isolation, infrastructure limitations, and digital literacy gaps. Beyond economic and technical barriers, students emphasize the need for culturally relevant technology guidance. This research contributes to Information Systems (IS) literature by offering firsthand insights into digital inequalities, underscoring the urgency for future investment and continued study to investigate and promote equitable technology access in underserved Indigenous communities.
Recommended Citation
Fenner, Chad and Baker-Noteboom, Cherie, "Rural Native American Student Digital Divide Perceptions" (2025). MWAIS 2025 Proceedings. 2.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/mwais2025/2