Learning Networks: Looking to 2010

Proposed learning network technology offers some alternatives to the way we currently carry out education and training. High schools, state land-grant universities, libraries, community learning centers, public information terminals in public buildings will all be affected by new innovations in information technology. Reinventing and conversion of our traditional educational institutions are feasible and plausible as a result of development in new learning network technologies. We are becoming a nation of community learning centers that cater to formal and informal training and educational needs. These learning centers will be used by a full range of learners: K-12 students during the regular school hours; students in after-school programs during the afternoon and early evening hours; and adults in labor, management, and the professions all during the day and night. This network of community learning centers will be linked by the new National Research and Education Network. Satellite as well as land-based educational networks will be involved. Information terminals at schools, libraries, community learning centers, public buildings, homes, farms, and firms will have access to and be linked by learning networks.