Is There a Tension Between Peer Interaction and Distance or E-Learning in Education Studies?

The expansion that has resulted in a move from an elite to a mass system of higher education has been associated with a number of fundamental changes in the system at all levels. These changes have had an influence on learning and teaching in Education Studies. Widening participation and equality of opportunity for an increasingly diverse student body has resulted in many of us taking advantage of new technologies in helping to meet the learning needs of our students. Whilst not wishing to be seen as a luddite, there is a need to reflect upon the teaching and learning process involved and whether there are tensions between our desire to reach a wider clientele and our need to provide quality learning opportunities. Does the use of distance (or even blended) learning necessarily mean important aspects of learning like engaging with tutors and peers have to be sidelined or ignored?