E-learning - access or barrier?

Question

e-learning - access or barrier? is it paid or free money because of low cost during distant eductaion.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

In the early days of computers, I think E learning was a barrier to the "disadvantaged" and poor because computers were so expensive and so were Internet connections. Now almost every family can afford a computer even if it's used and at least dial up is so much cheaper-- in some cases free-- that most families can, if they choose, afford that too. I think elearning, whether it be public television, or VHS & DVD's checked out from the library, or CD-ROM's and universities offering distance courses, have created a revolution in" the masses" learning to educate themselves that will rival or exceed the information revolution that followed the invention of the first printing press. I can surf all day at university libraries or any number of knowledge repositories for pennies a day. Your Grandparents and Great Grandparents couldn't do that. Education was a very exclusive thing for only a handful of rich children whose parents could afford to send them to college. And even though universities are still very expensive I think the trend in e learning will buck the trend as people seek an alternative to a long commute, hassles finding parking, and outrageous tuitions. These large universities with huge old buildings that have to be heated in winter and air conditioned in late Spring--seem so antiquated and expensive in upkeep that no wonder school is so expensive. I would rather see mobile classrooms with lots of computers than go to one of those emense old schools. I think teachers are important and I think they are underpaid for the work they do--and I think that somehow their role could be modified into facilitator. I find it much easier to learn online working at my own pace rather than reading expensive text books, or listening to lectures. I hope this helps.
-Spec