Crossing the digital divide has become easier as technology infrastructure comes on line. Improved cable lines have increased internet accessibility across Africa and Asia.As Director of Instructional Support and Training, I have the ability to include open source resources within our courses. This supports the ability for all users to have access to our programs and higher ed degrees. We currently share OpenOffice.org for word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet functionality. We're investigating a book swap forum for students to be able to buy and sell their textbooks at discounted rates. At some point, I would love to include a scholarship program for laptops.
My school is a state university, which allows up to offer online education at incredibly low rates, with no fees or hidden costs. Once a student enrolls, they are offered a guaranteed tuition rate that will never increase.
Our courses are housed in Blackboard, which includes numerous language packs. At some point, we may begin developing multilingual curriculum and we have a platform that supports that.
I agree that improved infrastructure has indeed decreased the gap in the digital divide. As laptops and software grow less expensive, it makes it possible for more people to have greater access and more opportunities.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great term. I have enjoyed your blog.
Kimberly