eLearning: a Cottage Industry for the 21st Century?

Abstract

What is technology and what are its strengths? We shall define technology in a people-centred way and recall Adam’s Smith’s analysis of technology in terms of division of labour, specialisation, economies of scale and machines. In other areas of life technology has used these principles to increase access, improve quality and lower costs. Is this true of eLearning? If not, how can we make it true? Will Open Educational Resources save the day? We shall address these questions in the light of the experience of the Commonwealth of Learning.