Guest post*: The ongoing global advance of online learning

Since the days of Europe’s first universities, higher education has tended to be elitist and exclusive. While there were always exceptions provided to the remarkably bright and talented, by and large universities educated the children of the wealthy. Continue reading

Of Oxford, books and a theory of stupidity

Every Thursday, near the centre of Oxford, sees the Gloucester Green ‘Antique and Craft Market’. Two immediate caveats: Gloucester Green is now a car park rather than the picturesque grass field you might imagine (though there is the odd tree, as you can see); and it’s more of a flea market than its grand title suggests. Nevertheless it’s great fun, and Marilyn and I (at her insistence) have visited on more than one occasion. And that’s where my meandering tale begins … Continue reading