Week 9: Reading 3

So many advances in technology and communications have been made since 1997. While a discrepancy still exists between those who are able to access the web and those who are not, the speed of access and price to obtain it is on a steady decline.

While the idea of distance learning granting a greater "access to learning" is genuinely beneficial -- it is not sufficient. The word "access" should not simply be applied to the learner who can't travel 3 hours to a training site. Printed words on a computer screen do not guarantee any greater access to learning for a student with cognitive disabilities, poor eyesight, or low-literacy skills. However, the integration of different kinds of media can stimulate learning to people of various abilities. Concentrating on engaging different kinds of learners online instead of lecturing from a book is a giant step for learner-centered education.