World Committee for Lifelong learning (CMA) has posted a new item, The Paradox of Massive Open Online Courses
Inherent then in the celebration of online learning is a paradox. While it is consistent with the liberating access to higher education necessary for lifelong learning, it poses the threat of renewed learner dependence. Teaching and learning are at their best transformative for both the educator and the learner. Technology does not preclude this, in fact if used creatively technology can enhance the experience. But uncritical acceptance of the one-way directional transmission of information may take the learner away from the fulfillment that comes with self-directed awareness and learning.