To summarize this conference is a daunting task with such a wide range of discussions occurring simultaneously. Samba opened up the issue with his query on how to resolve the technical problem where we don't have the same speed and the same materiel. This theme kept re-emerging throughout the conference as the problem of the digital divide brought up by M.I. Zuberi between developing and developed countries was raised as well as the divide between rural and city areas. Barbara Fillip warned against the tendency to want to deploy Western/Northern models of state-of-the-art elearning to developing country contexts.
Of course the historical image of the Luddites was resurrected after my initial slurs and the negative attitudes of faculty towards technologies was addressed from diverse viewpoints. And the question of acceptance of technology took on importance leading to discussion on where computers are used and the need for teachers with "feelings". Peter Albion brought up the issue of the high cost of textbooks and Ross responded describing problems in Trinidad & Tobago and the lack of infrastructure. This led to discussions on "appropriate" technologies, which I felt could be construed to mean give the low tech to the poor and leave them out of the modern economy. After some detailed exchanges agreement took shape as we agreed on the need to start small and then expand as the different regions gain accessibility. Peter Donkers raised the question of the role(s) of the conventional face-to-face institution as both a complement and a competitor to the single-mode distance learning institution. Jennifer Lee and others responded noting the growth in customized educational experiences made possible with blended learning. Lori Williams noted that blended programs, with low residencies, was not even a question as it had been their reality since 1963.
Prof. Razzak raised the importance of Academic Certification claiming that it was essential for getting a position in the job market. IP and copyright sidetracked us for a while, but it was recognized as a serious issue if not quite on topic. The value of stories in teaching and learning caused significant discussion.
Pam Mclean gave us at least one solution to a technology problem describing the program based on one-off trips to distant friendly cyber cafes. Free open source software was also considered as one solution to the problem of expensive computer applications.
Other significant topic areas included: Accessibility issues for the disabled; community building; interaction; teaching methods; need to know learning; radio and the appropriate technologies.
Well that was quite a potpourri or witches broth. Sorry if I left your issue out of the summary. There were just too many to handle in one conference.
So, I'll leave you with this one thought: "If your not confused with all these changes, you don't understand what is happening!
--Rory McGreal
