Today, that flexibility is optimized with the Internet and the Web. Although we know a great deal more about cognition, communication and collaboration than we did a few years ago, there is still much to be learned. Some contend that technology enhances learning. Others say it impersonalizes it. Government, colleges, universities and foundations are supporting research into distributed learning, learning on demand and asynchronous learning applications as well as their effectiveness.
Government supports education in a variety of ways.
Two common financial forms of support are tax credits and financial aid. As our educational system has become more flexible to meet learners' needs, our financial aid system must keep pace. Government can facilitate a re-examination of how financial assistance can best support learners and the flexibility they need in a society where education is tightly linked to economic security and viability. Education is everyone's responsibility. We must begin working toward the development of a cohesive, lifelong education system.