Also included in this view is that distance learning becomes extremely important for those with constraints such as work and family commitments that might otherwise bar them from receiving advanced education. The author notes that many distance education institutions are intent on breaking down as many barriers as possible that prevent access. This also refers to aspects such as gender and socio-economic barriers. However, while it may be argued that distance education and modern technology remove many barriers to education, yet the question remains as to the quality of the education that is being offered. The author constantly refers to the central theme of the importance of the social dimension and purpose of education - and the danger that this aspect is being lost in modern distance and technological education. (Spenser 107)

The author returns in this chapter to the importance of computer mediated distance education and the way that this has a direct impact on all education. (Spenser 110) the view is emphasized that adult education via the computer and the Internet needs to be viewed in a critical and responsible way, and not accepted carte blanche.

This also refers to the critique of modern "...impersonal, atomistic...

This is also related to the ideals and aims of a democratically oriented understanding of education. The author goes on to compare the advantages and disadvantages of online education and notes that even in the offline classroom and lecture room scenario there is a distancing and isolating effect on the student.
The author concludes the chapter by stating that in many cases it is evident that modern forms of adult distance education have relinquished or forgotten the democratic and higher ideals about social development and commitment in education. These higher ideals have in some cases been replaced with more attenuated and restrictive views of education and the trend of education only for skills and vocational purposes. The author states that the "higher" and broader view of education needs to be recovered. (Spenser…