Digital literacy in rural communities: integration of information technology into educational for future-ready rural societies

This study examines the integration of information technology into rural educational curricula to improve digital literacy. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the study identifies factors influencing technology adoption in rural schools, including perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, behavioral intention, and socio-cultural influences. The findings highlight the importance of adequate infrastructure, customized training, and active community participation in supporting successful technology integration. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses reveal that culturally compatible and user-friendly technologies aligned with educational objectives significantly enhance adoption and usage. This study further demonstrates that community leaders and supportive social environments play a critical role in shaping positive attitudes toward technology adoption. It offers practical policy recommendations for improving digital literacy, reducing the digital divide, and supporting sustainable technology adoption in rural educational communities.