Massification is a term used to refer to the democratisation of higher education. It refers to the fact that more and more people from less advantaged backgrounds now have access to higher education in both the developed and developing world.
In terms of the internet, massification can be used to denote the democratisation of the internet made possible by Web 2.0. While the internet is free and accessible to all, democratised by definition, access to and knowledge of producing content was restricted to those with the relevant skills. Web 2.0 has made content production and contribution available to the masses; anyone can access, use, and produce content on Wikipedia. Amazon and Trip Advisor invite us to contribute our opinions and reviews to help other users in making an informed decision. Sites like Digg even allow us to define the news headlines, bypassing traditional media.
The massification of education allows students to improve their lives and create new experiences. Personal development is more important than building a global network of new friends and colleagues, which is a side effect not the main theme. In a similar way while Web 2.0 opens a window to the world, users begin by remaining local, experimenting and building on existing relationships. Maintaining and expanding their existing social network is more important than building a global network of new friends and followers.
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