Is eLearning True to the Principles of Technology?

Abstract

eLearn Conference, World Conference on eLearning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare & Higher Education, Vancouver, Canada, 27 October 2009, Keynote address by Sir John Daniel, Commonwealth of Learning // 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 in 45 developing countries, three-quarters of them being small states.