Nationwide there is a shortage of dietetic practitioners in rural communities, particularly in midwestern states such as Iowa and Kansas. Addressing this shortage of rural practitioners is the foundation for the commitment by the dietetic education programs at Iowa State University (ISU) and Kansas State University (KSU) to include rural communities in the practicum experience. The program provides nutrition care and education to an otherwise underserved population, and qualifying experiences for students to become a registered dietitian (RD). State-of-the-art technology will provide the necessary instructional support for the appropriate practicum for students in rural settings. The planning and development of three specific modules included in the medical nutrition therapy practicums of the dietetic education programs at ISU and KSU will incorporate interactive instructional technology via online groupware with hyperlinks to websites, video, and learner initiated interactive simulations. Inclusion of these modules in the practicum will foster the development of higher-order cognitive skills which facilitate the transfer of knowledge to practice, problem solving, and promotion of lifelong learning.