ABSTRACT

Summary: Western society has undergone a series of profound changes as a consequence of the electronic technology revolution. Coming hard upon the heels of this revolution is a second one — the computer-based information revolution. As a result, western society is rapidly moving into a post-industrial economy in which knowledge industries are superseding manufacturing industries. By early in the next century, education will have emerged as the principal employer.

The electronic information technologies are displacing the printed word as the primary repository of information. This means that home television sets will have unprecedented information resources at their command. Home-based education will become increasingly important, particularly for teaching children the traditional skills. At the other end of the age spectrum, there will be an increase in community-based education. Cradle-to-grave education will become the norm as a rapidly changing society with rapidly altering economic requirements will require the continuous information recycling of most individuals.