The Challenge of Change in the Information Age: Three Forces Spurring University Transformation

Abstract

Universities worldwide are being confronted simultaneously with three forces of change: new types of students, new technologies, and new ideas regarding teaching, learning, and what it means to be educated. The new electronic technologies although representing one of these three changes are in a position to assist higher education institutions and faculty members in successfully dealing with the other two forces. However, new approaches and altitudes to leadership are needed. They must be all‐encompassing while permitting a great deal of local autonomy. At the same time, they must stimulate creative co‐operation among local units and among given institutions. The latter must co‐operate creatively and embody philosophies of leadership and of change in their visions of the future.