Stephen Downes

Part of the problem with e-learning technology is that it is designed with the wrong consumer in mind. Designers picture the typical online student as a stereotypical college student with deep pockets attending a traditional midwestern university studying the liberal arts. Real students, though, aren't like that - especially those served by e-learning. They're not studying full time, they don't live on campus, they have jobs and expenses, and they have a pretty good idea why they're taking classes and what they want to do.