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.
Finally, the study concludes that providing access to lifelong learning will require new policy measures. Cost is clearly a barrier for people with lower incomes, so how to finance lifelong learning is a critical question. The study recommends that training vouchers, which can be used at any accredited institution, and tax deductions for tuition be considered. Both these options would allow workers to identify and get the job skills and professional development they need, when they need them. There is a small fee for printing and handling if more than one report is ordered.