Another advantage of text-based medium of communication is removing barriers based on prejudices concerning race, gender, age, physical handicaps, etc. By the millennium, the majority of students in higher education will be 25 year of age and older. Adults are very busy juggling schedules and trying to find time to further their education. The personal computer is becoming a standard household appliance. The university environment will change substantially.
Universities are notoriously slow to change.
The traditional way of instructing will have to change, as more students want to attend courses from their home or office. One could think well, they are not real colleges and universities, but upon reading the sample list at the end of the article, one might start to ponder the advantages of distant learning. The colleges and universities that ignore this new way of learning could see a drop in their future student enrollment. Teaching faculties tend to have local reputations but a lower research profiles. The new economics of education will change the balance of importance between research and teaching, just as television changed the balance of professional sports.