Information technology mediated education - revolution not evolution

Information technology, and in particular distance education technology, is becoming more prevalent across society and throughout higher education. But as information technology mediated education moves from trials towards educating non-trivial numbers of students, we can expect established universities to resist wholesale adoption; particularly when it threatens core perceptions of what students want and need and the culture and financial model of the institution. The resulting increasing tension creates the potential for sudden and dramatic shifts rather than gradual adoption. Applications and practices that can signal the maturation of information technology mediated education include course importation and remote laboratory experiences. For institutions, successful development of information technology mediated education may require autonomous units. For individuals, the decision revolves around whether to participate and, if so, in what manner, particularly given academic culture and the potential for institutional resistance.