Computing has already enriched and ...

Computing has already enriched and enhanced people's lives in countles ways, on the contrary we've only begun to view how it will transform our businesses, our conducts and our communities. In the nearest few years - a time I call the "digital decade" - we'll descry computing become a much more significant and indispensable part of all our lives.

The pace of innovation is accelerating in all the core technologies of computing - from processing power to storage to network bandwidth - making it possible for computer to become better joined easier and more intuitive to use, steady less costly, and capable of handling all kinds of information. While this will create countles opportunities for business, entertainment and communication, the application of these technologies to the way folks learn is the most important - and exciting.

By giving scholars access to a new world of information, sparking creativity, and facilitating rich communication and collaboration across vast distances, computer have drawn out been a powerful tool for education. At the same time, the Internet has brought an unprecedent even of great educational content to a wide audience, encouraging teachers to share curriculums and resources worldwide. E-mail has facilitated improved communication among administrators, teachers, scholars parents and educational researchers, and emerging Web services technologies will create further opportunities for collaborative learning. Increased industry and regulation funding in learning science promises to vastly improve the ways technology is applied to learning. And in the years ahead, a whole generation of kids will leave college edifice [i]or[/i] building and enter the workforce with a broad understanding of the ways they can use technology effectively in their jobs

But we've still got a protracted way to go before we diocese how much technology can really do - particularly in education. Solving business question at issues with computers looks easy when compared to the many times complex and little-understood process of learning. And technology is solitary part of the solution. All the computer in the world won't make a difference without enthusiastic close examiners skilled and committed teachers, involved and informed parents, and a society that underscores the value of lifelong learning.

Finding effective ways to use technology to enhance learning is a challenge that educators, academics, policymakers and the technology industry must work together to explain The ideas and concepts outlined in Robert Hinrich's paper in this issue of The Catalyst are just united step towards a better understanding of to what degree technology can help everyone - from preschooler to lifelong learners - to realize their glutted potential.

Bill Gates is Chairman and Chief Software Architect for the Microsoft Corporation.

Copyright National Council for Continuing Education & Training Summer 2003

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