With technology becoming cheaper and cheaper each day, I guess what Delich, Kelly, and McIntosh are trying to say is developing countries are now able to take online courses thanks to all the technologies available. They see this as a positive because in the past, these people would never be able to take courses if they have no transportation to reach the schools where they want to go.
McGreal and Elliott (2008) also points out that "as the cost of hardware, software, and telecommunications declines, even developing countries can look forward to a future where access to the wealth of the world’s knowledge is commonplace," (p. 160). Having said that, the negative to technology is if it doesn't work then we have big problems. Like I mentioned the internet, if you have no connectivity then it doesn't matter where you are situated, it will impact you negatively. That is the downsize of technology, if it works it's a miracle, if it doesn't, we get frustrated with it.
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According to a report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project only 10% of Americans now have dial-up access to the internet ( http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_Broadband_2008.pdf p. 2). This includes low income families. But that is for those that have internet. It doesn't address the need for infrastructure to deliver internet, which is the same for developing countries.
ReplyDeleteCell usage will probably move ahead of regular computer access, but as you say if it doesn't work it won't be of much value. I know right now I would not want to rely totally on my cell, to many dropped signals.
I wouldn't think of using my cell or any other cell, as to say, iPhone, for the Internet. I would be too confused because most, if not all, Web sites are not meant to be viewed on cell phones. I don't know why people like to use blackberry to check emails, it's so hard to read with the screen.
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