Is distance learning equal opportunity for the global community?

To some extent, it is, but there are ways in which it can
actually increase inequality in the world.

Distance
learning does make it much more possible for people around the globe to partake of the
best possible educational opportunities.  A person in a poor country like the
Philippines could, through distance learning, take classes from a top-class university
in some other country.  This can help to create more equal opportunities around the
globe.

However, the infrastructure needed to take advantage
of these opportunities is not equally available around the world at this time.  Poorer
countries may lack good internet access.  Poorer people in any country might lack both
internet access and access to computers.  These things would make it harder for the poor
to take advantage of the increased opportunities available to the
well-off.

Theoretically, then, distance learning is equal
opportunity and can increase equality around the globe.  In practice, however, it might
exacerbate inequality.