Almost three-fourths think more courses should be developed using distance methods. People who are most likely to seek additional education have relatively greater access to home and workplace computers. Some adults are losing out. Although lifelong learning is a real need for most Americans, some are losing out. 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.