Chapter 4: Obstacles and Opportunities of Distance Higher Education in International Settings

This chapter focuses on the role distance higher education can play in a world in which globalization and internationalization, both characterized by increased global interdependence and international competition, are flourishing, while academic solidarity is simultaneously weakening (IAU, 2010). I begin by examining globalization and internationalization as forces in today’s economic and learning landscapes and then discuss the growing role of distance education within today’s context, including the obstacles and benefits of distance education programs. The current movement toward commercialization of distance higher education is next highlighted. I conclude the chapter by discussing some factors surrounding globalization and internationalization in future distance higher education efforts.