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SUMMARY
Information technology is surging across the world. International business is making sure that information superhighways lead into all industrialized countries. Educational technologists are already caught up in the excitement of exploiting these new means for old ends, for teaching and learning about knowledge and skills. The next educational technology in higher education is possibly no more than five years away. What are likely to be its characteristics? This question can be answered in many ways. Based on my own experience and observations, I discuss the need for educational technology at the Open University, in other UK universities and worldwide in the immediate future. Next, I identify the trends summarized in the words ‘globalization’, ‘electronification’, ‘commodification’, ‘domination’ and ‘liberation’. All five are relevant to education in general, and particularly to educational technology in higher education. Finally, I raise a few questions about the psychological and ethical foundations for the next educational technology.