By Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D.
We often think that the future of e-learning is all about the technology. Others suggest it's about making sure individuals are retooling themselves for future professions and jobs.
Both are true. But, they overlook the fact that social conditions are the real determinant of how, where, and if people in a nation — especially the youth and the women — have a shot at education. I'm not talking about just any education. I'm talking about the kind of education that is relevant to lives, which opens doors to a better life — professionally, personally, and in the community.
In our world, that translates to e-learning. Why? The answer is simple. E-learning providers are providing courses and degrees that lead directly to jobs. By e-learning, I'm referring to delivery that includes mobile learning such as AIU's new iTouch-based courses, and the audio chapters available through such sources as Cengage Learning's textbooks' audio chapters.
In the past, we've tended to view access to education as a matter of convenience, affordability, and marketability.
But, we've been overlooking the obvious. Social conditions must be conducive to learning.
For that reason, I've decided to take a look at different aspects of our society, focusing on America's children and families. I'm using the annual report prepared by Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics. The 2007 report, America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, is very extensive. It reports findings and analyzes trends, which provide a unique view of our social conditions.
The report does not shy away from looking at social inequality. In fact, inequalities in our society are precisely where the greatest opportunities lie. Help the people who need a helping hand, and you're likely to see dramatic results.
To get started, I took a look at childbirth rates and birthweights. The reason for that is because birthweight is an excellent predictor of future health (and health problems), which affect the children and their caregivers. Low birthweight infants are at higher risk of death or long-term illness and disability than are infants of normal birthweight.
According to the report, the percentage of low birthweight infants (less than 5 pounds. 8 ounces) increased.
Low Birthweight Babies in America (from America's Children, 2007)
- 2005: 8.2 percent
- 2004: 8.1 percent
- 2003: 7.9 percent
Are all ethnic and demographic groups having low birthweight babies at the same rate? The answer is a very clear, No. Black women are giving birth to low birthweight babies. In 2005, that amounted to 14 percent.
Implications:
Women and primary caregivers for low birth weight babies will need more support in order to help them as they deal with the health issues that accompany low birthweight babies. It may be difficult for the mother of a special-needs baby to have a full time job or to go to campus for a traditional college education. This presents a classic Catch-22 in terms of education and employment. If the mother does not have family or community support, she is likely to be stuck in situation without access to education or a way toward a good job. Further, the baby, very likely to have health problems, will have challenges if not able to attend preschool or to participate in educational activities. The isolation of the mother could adversely affect the socialization of the child, and restrict access to educational opportunities.
Recommendations:
Outreach to mothers of special-needs children. Low interest education loans and rewards for academic excellence. High-speed Internet, computer access, mentoring. Special needs children will need support from local schools.
The analysis above is based on findings are described in detail in America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2007. America's Children is the U.S. government's annual report that monitors the well-being of the nation's children and youth. The report is a compendium of the most recently released federal statistics on the nation's children, and is issued by the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics.
Key Informational Sources:
Child Stats
National Center for Education Statistics
National Center for Health Statistics