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This study was based on previous research that investigated the disparity or gap between those who have access to computers and the Internet and those who do not (Hoffman and Novak, 1998; NTIA, 1999b; Carey, Chisholm and Irwin, 2002; Vail, 2003 Zeliff, 2004; Glenn, 2005). The Technology Acceptance Model developed by Davis, Bagozzi, and Warshaw (1989) was used to investigate whether computer and Internet access influenced the acceptance of e-learning technology tools such as Blackboard and the Internet. Of the studies conducted concerning adoption of these technologies, a limited number have addressed the extent to which college students accept these tools. The majority of these studies failed to consider computer access as a factor regarding computer technology acceptance. The E-Learning Technology Acceptance (ETA) survey instrument was administered to business students at two universities in North Carolina. Hierarchical regression was performed to test whether or not computer and Internet access explained variance above and beyond race and socioeconomic status. Regression analysis revealed that computer and Internet access affected the degree to which students expect Blackboard and the Internet to be easy to use. As a result, creating a technology assessment to be utilized by e-learning educators and students to measure the level of computer and Internet access was recommended. The analyses also revealed that computer and Internet access significantly impacted students' attitude toward using Blackboard and the Internet. Improving the level of technology access should be addressed to promote positive attitudes regarding e-learning tools. Additional findings revealed that socioeconomic status and race did influence computer ownership. A suggestion for educators is to explore initiatives that assist low income and minority students with obtaining home computers. Finally, the findings suggested that closing the digital divide is not enough to ensure technology acceptance of students. The researcher proposed that digital inclusion should be the goal of our society. Recommendations for further research suggested by the researcher included investigating other variables that may influence technology acceptance and computer and Internet access. / Ph. D.

This research explores an alternative path for economic development via local connections to regional economies. It presents new analysis of the potential and circumstances under which county level industry clusters can be strengthened by connecting to regional clusters – networks of businesses, labor pools, etc., whose linkages cross local and even state jurisdictional boundaries. Specifically, this analysis examines how different types of industry clusters and types of urban and rural communities within regions respond to intra-regional connectivity. Independent-samples t-tests are conducted to assess whether significant differences in the annualized county-cluster employment growth rate (2010-2016) exist between connected and not-connected county-clusters overall, in different types of communities (metropolitan, micropolitan, rural adjacent and rural remote) and across types of industry clusters. The results suggest that intra-regional economic connectivity has a strong, positive association with county-cluster employment growth. These results are particularly pronounced for more rural communities but are present across county types, including metropolitan. The magnitude of the economic impact derived from connectivity with the regional economy varies by industry cluster. The results suggest an alternative approach to cluster-based economic development strategies that more strategically accounts for and bolsters connectivity. Policy recommendations for how to apply an intra-regional connectivity framework to narrow the urban-rural divide, as well as several regional profiles, are offered. / Doctor of Philosophy / This research explores an alternative path for economic development via local connections to regional economies. It presents new analysis of the potential and circumstances under which county level employment can be strengthened by connecting to regional industry clusters – networks of businesses, labor pools, etc., whose linkages cross local and even state jurisdictional boundaries. Specifically, this analysis examines how different types of industry clusters and types of urban and rural communities respond to economic connectivity within their regions. Statistical tests are conducted to compare differences in county employment growth (2010-2016) between counties that are economically connected and those that are not. The results suggest that connectivity to regional industry clusters has a strong, positive relationship with local employment growth. These results are particularly pronounced for more rural communities but are present across county types, including metropolitan. The magnitude of the economic impact derived from connectivity with the regional economy varies by the type of industry cluster present. The results suggest an alternative approach to cluster-based economic development strategies that more strategically accounts for and bolsters connectivity. Policy recommendations for how to apply an intra-regional connectivity framework to narrow the urban-rural divide, as well as several regional profiles, are offered.

The relatively rapid stream capture of the New River basin by the Roanoke River basin provides a unique example of topographic change within a tectonically inactive environment. A previous investigation of abandoned river deposits has shown the capture of ~225 km2 of New River basin area, which has caused approximately 250 m of incision by the Roanoke River (Prince et al., 2011). Difference in base level elevations between the lower Roanoke to the higher New River could be the source of potential energy driving rapid incision (Prince et al., 2011). Significant incongruities in base level elevations at the boundaries of an aquifer can steepen the gradient and shift the groundwater divide further toward the higher elevation boundary (Yechieli et al., 2009). If a steep groundwater gradient and expanded groundwater basin exists beneath the Roanoke River tributaries, this would suggest a groundwater control on incision and capture. In this investigation we incorporate average total head, measured from 18 domestic wells, and constant-head river boundary conditions into numerical models to calculate water levels and gradients between the rivers. We also utilized thermal patterns and particle tracking of spring locations to better understand flow paths in the region. Our results show the groundwater divide is shifted toward the higher elevation boundary, indicating that the groundwater basin is captured prior to surface capture. Flow pathways utilized by groundwater capture can be either diffuse or conduits, however further work should be done to better understand travel times and flow depths. / Master of Science

Book Summary: This book provides real-world advice and ideas drawn from case studies to help academic libraries support students academically, socially, and financially, especially those who are facing barriers.