eLearning on the www: An Open Letter

Conferences (Ulearn, etc), Epic eLearning Debate 2009, Dohar ICT Conferences, Twitter mania, Facebook communities, Seacom's Africa www fibre cable, Skype on CNN, Google Apps and Wave, Google Earth and Streetview. And millions more ...

There is an eLearning revolution happening in the world today. Are you part of it yet?

For education ministries: The alignment with a single provider of software, where millions of tax payer contributions are invested, is short sighted. Connectivity and security must be central to the efforts of any MOE because without it your learners will be marginalised.

For governments: Tax breaks for individuals must include for those who are connected to the www. For corporations: Support your workers with connectivity as a perk of the job. A connected society will associate and share their freedom and creativity with you.

For democratic governments you must promote, extend and protect your society and their viewpoints -- good or bad.

For despotic regimes and others who try to limit freedom of expression on the www: You are doomed to fail,and your every action is being captured and stored as a witness against you.

For individuals questioning the value of eLearning and distrust of the www: Your perspectives will increasingly fall victim to exclusion, and the wider world would be the poorer for not having known you.

For privacy mongers: Yes, the gap between your privacy and public persona is narrowing, and it might even disappear in future as you become a global citizen. But, life is short; so, share it as much as you can.

For safety: The www is unforgiving for those who seek to harm others. Once exposed on the www you will become forever exposed on the www.

For schools: Embrace Open Source Software and plough you money into connectivity and safety. Open your institutions to the www and expect that your learners will turn your institution into a powerhouse of creativity and learning.

For employers: Recognise and insist on employing individuals who are 'digital positive'. You will not only save money, but also, be rewarded with innovation, creativity and self-development.

For students: Insist on having connectivity as a basic right. Without it you will be the poorer for it. Do not allow the nay-sayers to restrict your growth. Extend yourself way beyond the viewpoint of only one person. Create and maintain your presence on the www, for there will always be many who share your views. Share what you have learnt and revel in being listened to and commented upon. Do not be afraid of the future because you have the power of the www to help shape you.