eLearning In Developing Countries - What Education Really Is? A Philosophical Question
I feel really enthusiastic when it comes to eLearning (technology-aided learning). We educators know that the more people are educated in a country, the more this country will grow in all aspects. It is not common for a country with uneducated population to be advanced; on the contrary, education is a primary focus only in the developed world. This is why eLearning in developing countries is a matter of crucial importance.
"Education" is not just a degree from college; it is more complex than that. Education is a serious transfer of knowledge. And knowledge does not belong only in specific academic fields; it includes all fields where teaching is welcome. No matter how rich/developed or poor/developing a place is, teachers and students have always been and always be there. Therefore, if we educators are enthusiastic about teaching with no barriers in mind, technology can be a magic wand in our hands. Even if for some reason we are not able to embrace teaching thousands of people using technology (i.e. eLearning), we can still transfer knowledge to our students: We know that this will make their lives better, they will feel they are growing, and they will be able to look forward to a bright future. They will grow more than other people who don't have the chance to be educated.
The Future Of eLearning In Developing Countries
Of course it is wonderful to be able to use the most advanced technology and software; the human mind is incredible, and yet we are astonished every time we realize the potential of technological innovation and the ways that it changes humanity. The thing is, marvelous technology can now be accessed by developing countries, and this is great; knowledge must be spread around the world! So, it is crucial that developed rich countries facilitate developing countries in this knowledge transfer by making sure software and eLearning courses are available at a lower cost.
How Rich Countries Can Benefit By Helping Developing Countries
There is a question to ask now: Why should a rich country help a developing country to get knowledge through eLearning? How would this be a benefit? Well, and this is of course a personal opinion: Universal imbalance can only be a bad thing. We must grow in education - together. Education is not a race nor a competition. Education is something very, very good; it promotes harmony among humanity, international and personal financial prosperity. How would it be possible for an uneducated country to interact with countries with educated populations? How would it be possible to be understanding between them?
Final Word
Making eLearning available in developing countries can make a real difference. Rich countries may not earn billions through this business, but they will gain a valuable ally in the education field. Rich countries need to offer developing countries the opportunity to expand their knowledge through advanced technology (read: eLearning) - right now!
