While the majority of adults recognize the importance of retraining, those with lower incomes and less education are having trouble achieving their goals. Public support exists for lifelong learning. According to the study, most colleges and universities will need to change how they do business if they are to meet the demand for lifelong learning. While continuing to serve the traditional college student, colleges and universities must also develop off-campus instruction that supports adult learning. If they do not recognize lifelong learning as part of their mandate and assign it higher priority than it currently has, the private sector is certain to fill the vacuum.
Distance education offers one means of meeting the demand for lifelong learning.
Often, they need specialized instruction on particular subjects. Technological developments in computing and telecommunications make it possible to bring this kind of education to adult learners, when and where it is needed. Distance education may provide a win-win situation for colleges, students, and taxpayers. As techniques are improved, people will not need to travel as often to campus, reducing the constant pressure to expand on-campus facilities. Students can use the Internet to communicate with professors and tap learning resources.