These cultural and technological catalysts are pervasive and transcend the various characteristics of providers of postsecondary education. The world has changed in ways that make lifelong learning more of a necessity than an appealing phrase. In their book, The Monster Under the Bed, Davis and Botkin note that in an agrarian economy, education for young people between 7 and 14 was sufficient to last 40 years of a working life. The industrial economy expanded the age range of students to between 5 and 22. In the information economy, the rapid pace of technological change requires education to be updated throughout our working lives.
People have to increase their learning power to sustain their earning power.
Lifelong learning is the norm that is augmenting school-age education. The standards for conducting research and teaching, including faculty workload, space for labs, etc. are centered on the provider and professional needs. Professors in this environment will thrive as mentors. Providing Access For several years, it has been recognized that learning does not only have to take place on a college or university campus. One fundamental requirement is that the applications of the NII extend into homes and workplaces as well as colleges and universities.