JAN: A discussion of the ecosystem - the environment for
education today would not be complete without emphasizing that we
are rapidly moving from an expectation of mass educational
approaches to an expectation of customized learning opportunities
- "what I want....when I want it....where I want it....at a price
I think is right and quality as I define it." And this "customer
driven" reality as it catches fire around the world brings all of
us face to face with a range of policy, teaching/learning,
technical challenges. We are seeing an incredible expansion of
interest in distance learning - witness the growth of attendance
at this conference and the literally hundreds of meetings - real
and virtual on this topic. We are also likely to see shifts in
financial arrangements - student aid....vouchers.....more
employer payments with accompanying demands. There are
legitimate questions and issues at play in terms of quality, and
there are also quality as a barrier to entry questions that
should be challenged. None of us should be surprised in a world
where I can have levis made to custom fit in a matter of a few
days - that learners will increasingly demand opportunities
designed for their style and size as surely as I want attractive
jeans that fit my thighs. Plus...many folks want the assurance
that this learning custom made will lead to getting a better job
or reaching a higher quality of life.
KAYE:
