One of the new tech-memes is that the Internet brings a new information abundance, and businesses built on a model of information scarcity, like newspapers and universities, are doomed. I think many aspects of the delivery of information and where learning takes place is changing — and it needs to given the many new opportunities offered by the internet. But to predict that the experience of taking on-line courses replaces the in-person experience of participating in a learning community is foolish. The experience of going to college is so much more than just the time spent in class. Institutions that only focus on the traditional classroom are probably at risk. But those that recognize and embrace the full value of a multifaceted learning community have a value that will endure, and will actually be enriched by the internet.
The latest, “A Virtual Revolution Is Brewing for Colleges,” was published on Sunday in The Washington Post. In it, Zephyr Teachout argued that kids heading off to college this year might be part of the last generation for which that means the traditional experience of dorm rooms and tenured professors.
Seeing things as they really are – Forbes.com
Drucker says the current setup is doomed, at least so far as higher education is concerned. “Thirty years from now the big university campuses will be relics. Universities won’t survive. It’s as large a change as when we first got the printed book.”
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Randall Rode's online home for thoughts, notes, and experiments with a wide range of technology topics. Visit the about page for info on my recent projects and professional background. I welcome your comments!
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