Evolution of global diversity was encouraged and enhanced not only by changes in technology but also by desire and recognition that education provides opportunities for people to become active learners that can enhance and take greater control of economic, educational, social and political decisions.
According to George Siemens, online education provides opportunity for people from different countries to join a community of learners. In the past learning communities were usually a group of people with similar interests, background and place of residence. Diversity in the past was limited and in most case race and also economic status determined the group makeup. Growth in technology and expansion of interactive communication such as Skype, video conferencing, instant messaging created opportunities to allow more visual and real time communication, where issues, could be discussed in real time, making the education process more realistic and in a way almost creating a face to face learning environment. The global community is not restricted by physical borders, but is restricted by accessibility to Internet, computers and other technologies. Lower costs, greater accessibility to technologies, changes in global economies accelerated changes in economics, communication, society and education. Ability to perform a variety of tasks in one country and send the information to other areas of the world resulted in addressing issues not only locally but also issues affecting distant places. Global diversity provides opportunity for people to exchange different ideas, experiences and address learning opportunities that affect society rather than specific interest groups.
In order for global diversity to be effectively engaged in a learning process it is important to ensure that a format of communication will provide and enhance opportunities to collaborate effectively. Members of global diversity learning environment are affected by accessibility to technology, economics and different time zones. Accommodations should be made to ensure that all participants can be involved by providing different time options to participate.
Siemens, G. (2009) The future of distance education, Laureate Education.
