Access and equity issues in regional education

The access issues and equity issues addressed in this paper are those of potential and existing students gaining access to the facilities, lecturers, tutors, and social organizations that comprise the tertiary experience. These issues are not unique to regional universities, but any problems and shortcomings are likely to be exacerbated in regional areas, where students are often isolated, resources are scarce, and facilities may be geographically remote. The focus of the paper is on technological and communication issues, interpersonal verses impersonal communication environments, library resources, and the social interaction difficulties that are experienced by online learners.