Arithmetic

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Global Barriers and the Internet


Philosophers have often discussed in poetry and prose the barriers between different civilizations. Most have been eliminated or minimized through the technologies of transportation and communication. With airplanes, we may physically transport ourselves distances in hours or days which formally required months, years, or lifetimes. Once two individuals came in physical contact with each other, communication begins. The written word allows two people distances apart to communicate, but until recently, the time variable for communication via the written word restricted the quality of the communication.

The Internet allows two individuals almost anywhere on the glove to "connect" with each other. They may speak, see, and read what the other is saying in real time. The potential for collaboration by connecting people of diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, and perspectives is immediate. Schools can tap into that potential for connecting these people of different backgrounds, cultures, ages, and perspectives through the Internet. This modern technology allows these people to share their stories, their passions, their fears, their hopes and dreams.


The Internet offers a vehicle to establish partnerships between peoples who might even be enemies. The multicultural classroom of today can realize some of the philosophers' dreams of global societies and electronic communities. Mutual respect and understanding can be developed and nurtured between individuals whose physical existence might seem limited by space or time.

 Educators play a significant role in shaping society through our youth. Perhaps one of the more significant contributions of education will be the breaking of barriers between people.