These days the world is changing very rapidly. Stem cell research, green technology, smart

phones and other scientific breakthroughs are developing faster and faster. Educational

institutions, particularly universities, struggle to keep curriculum current with all the changes.

Now textbooks can be downloaded to iPads and Kindles, thus saving students money, but also

forcing the need for schools to rapidly integrate technology.

Today a student might read a math book on their tablet that also has a video showing them how

to solve the problems. Think about a music class that studies a piece of music and then lets them

listen to it on students smart phones? Collegians now have the opportunity to collaborate with

students from around the world. Academically it is very exciting but are schools learning to

adapt to the changes this represents?

Education is no longer just about learning ideas or memorizing facts. Now it is about taking

information, analyzing it correctly and applying it to life. More importantly, it is less about ones'

individual achievement and more about group effort and cooperation. Universities that fail to

embrace these trends will find themselves far behind those who have. That being said, there are

things they can do to improve.

For many, an online college will be the last time they are really evaluated on an academic level.

With the interconnectedness that globalization and the internet bring today's' employees are

evaluated much more on their ability to cooperate well with others. A company in Texas may

hire a programmer in India who orders parts from an office in China. Many jobs now are

requiring interviews with departments outside of their own fields. They are looking to see how

well a candidate can communicate with others. Many colleges are struggling to implement this in

their curriculum and risk falling behind.

Education needs to focus less on preserving knowledge and more on critical thinking and group

projects. The internet gives easy access to information almost anywhere you go. In the past what

you had to know by heart you can now lookup in a heartbeat. Smart phones make it even easier.

The world has also gotten more inclusive. What happens in Indonesia can affect business in

America. That means universities should also emphasize studying cultures and their histories so

students will be able to make better decisions in the business world. Social sciences are gaining

in importance as the work place grows more diverse. Studying overseas is also becoming

increasingly more valuable.

Fortunately online degree programs are often some of the best at adapting to these new trends.

Those that do will find themselves producing a new breed of business leaders who are better

prepared to face the world of tomorrow while those who don't will fall into obscurity.