In a century, Americans have progressed from using horses as a primary source of transportation to driving cars, from steamships and locomotives to flying on jumbo jets and for some, space shuttles. Communications technologies have surpassed even those of transportation. As a society, we are inundated with information accessible through voice, video and data transmissions. Our lives have changed through the immediate access to information provided by cellular telephones, facsimile machines, electronic networks and a host of other technologies. Business meetings are conducted through video conferencing rather than assembling all members at one physical location.
Surgeons even collaborate from remote sites while an operation is performed.
The result of our innovation has been increased expectations in terms of quality, delivery, and the ability to adapt to the changing demands of society. We expect more from ourselves as a result of these innovations as others are increasingly expecting more from individuals entering the work force. Consequently, there exists a need to examine how learners are being prepared and what changes are warranted. Today, learners need not only acquire new skills, but effectively use these skills to attain knowledge and wisdom. Moreover, they are expected to initiate learning activities and develop skills for lifelong learning.