Can the participatory evaluation of new communication technology initiatives assist in building sustainable and inclusive rural communities

This presentation outlines the Learning, Evaluation, Action & Reflection for New technologies, Empowerment & Rural Sustainability (LEARNERS) process. This process aims to empower community members to conduct participatory evaluations of community development initiatives that use new communication and information technologies (C&ITs). The LEARNERS process is being trialed as part of an action research project that we are conducting in collaboration with people in two Queensland rural communities and five industry partners (see http://www.learners.bus.qut.edu.au).