Very clear in Mason's book is the centrality she accords different learning styles as a consideration in the choice of medium to use in learning. Interactivity is a central notion in any form of learning. The traditional view, as Mason points out, has been that only the traditionclassroom setting provides interactivity in its purest form. Research has actually pointed out that in elementary and secondary schools and to a large extent, tertiary institutions, interactivity is presumed to exist whereas in reality it is limited. What has existed previously is merely a system of 'feed-back'.
Teachers have a small number of obstacles when confronted with technology.
Technology requires a greater intellectual investment on their part to designing dynamic instruction. There is also the obvious need for teachers to be further trained in the use of learning technology. Teachers may be better equipped for their profession as a result of using technology. The importance of this book cannot be overstated. Major credit is due to Mason, especially for her focus on the human element of open and flexible learning.