Hi Richard, Your observations on cultural differences are really interesting. I do think some cultures in the world have rote learning methods and believe those to be effective. My sense is, however, even in those parts of the world, as new technology is accessed, the same sort of flexibility in thinking will begin to emerge. The influence of new media and new technology is and will continue to change how things are done and how we think and process information. There may still be cultural differences, of course, but overall the possiblities are such that new boudnaries will be reached and surpassed. I have visited several countries in the world and worked with faculty and students...it never ceases to amaze me how the challenged everyone feels with making the most of new technology and accomodating the changes in thinking. Great points...