The passionate commitment of APC to facilitate networking between people was an inspiration. Theological Education by Extension is another missiological dream whose time has come in a new way with the advent of the Web as a global facility. The limitations facing distance learning are now more to do with management and design than technology. The expertise needed to use the software is more within reach than it used to be. Both CD-ROM and the Web make it possible to deliver material, set up interactive dialogue, and assess written work submitted by email.
Audio dialogue is feasible, and video streaming is increasingly so.
Distance learning experiences can be greatly facilitated through the Web and CD-ROM, but there is still a debate as to how much is a good thing. Some chat group communities are real and valuable. It also means that the missionary with the modem is not only facing the risk of being more in touch with their home than their host, they at least have the potential to offer a new order of training within the local community. The two-edged nature of the technology is apparent. There is a risk that international courses may have scant sensitivity to the local culture.