For:
Access to different point of view
Access to broader range of resources than available locally
Development of digital skills
Development of Personal Learning Network
Against:
Risk of US domination of HE content
Much content first world focused with inappropriate assumptions
Risk of importing first world view of developing world
Inadequate digital skills to cope with cMOOC or maybe even with xMOOC
Limited access to equipment and adequate broadband network
So a ‘catch 22’ of opportunity limited by existing inexperience and opportunity/risk balance of dependence on free external sources. Maybe a locally tutored and assessed overlay on international content would be a good compromise, with intensive support on digital skills and navigation.
Guy, I find of particular interest your two comments:
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It seems a lot of collaborative research would be required here to present a correct focus otherwise, almost inevitably, the potential problems you highlight would be present if written totally by first world. However, local guidance, as you suggest, for the learners and maybe for the writers may go some way towards more appropriate content being studied.
Victoria
Hi Victoria –
The comments of mine to which you referred did not come through. Could you clarify please.
Guy, I find of particular interest your two comments:
• Much content first world focused with inappropriate assumptions
• Risk of importing first world view of developing world
It seems a lot of collaborative research would be required here to present a correct focus otherwise, almost inevitably, the potential problems you highlight would be present if written totally by first world. However, local guidance, as you suggest, for the learners and maybe for the writers may go some way towards more appropriate content being studied.
Victoria