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Combatting Partiality: Bridging Social, Cultural, and Economic Divides Through Higher Learning
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Abstract
We are facing a difficult time in society. Divisive and fear
-based rhetoric fueled by populist and ideological
viewpoints
dominate numerous
mediums
, geopolitical relations, and community discussions.
Anonymity has
enabled critici
sm
and conjecture to displace constructive debate, the
seek
ing of truth,
the dissemination of
knowledge, and societal
conciliation.
Underpinning and fueled by this divisiveness is a
growing social, economic,
and cultural divide between individuals and communities
on a globa
l scale
. Recognizing
the power of
knowledge
to
combat partiality
, societies are looking to
higher education to slow and ideally
revers
e the
se growing
divides.
Interestingly, t
he
same
liberation of information and the accelerating digital revolution that
enabled divisive
rhetoric to spread
is forcing institutions of higher learning to question
many of their
traditional
and measured
foundations.
Contemporary learners are expecting a seamless connection between the digital and built environment,
formal and informal learning,
wrap around supports, and the opportunity to contribute to knowledge. A widening
gap between knowledge creation and
mobilized
innovations has placed numerous societies at risk of reduced
productivity, economic strength, and
social
entrepreneurialism
. The
need for social change and the steady erosion of
competitive advantage has forced institutions to seek out new
and
globally relevant approaches to learning, research,
and innova
tion to remain reputable in the eyes of their stakeholders.
This
paper
explore
s how
seeking to create universal equal access to learning
may
stimulate
societ
al change
while simultaneously enabling institutions to
model
the next generation of higher education.
Particular
attention
will
be given to issues of scalab
ility
, sustainab
ility
, and affordability in
describing
potential
learner and community
centric
alternatives
that enable individuals to create and curate knowledge so that they may improve the social,
economic, cultural, and environmental quality of life in their communities.// Paper ID 142
Subject
Higher Education, Digital Divide, Cultural Expectations
Country
Region
Pan-Commonwealth
DOI
URI
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Date
2019-09
Author
ORCID
Corporate Author
Editor
Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)