Technology and tertiary education

Paradigm shifts occur in industries with the development of technologies which change the economics of the industry. Tertiary education is on the verge of a radical change in the way it is organised and in the way instruction is delivered. There will be relatively little effect on the learning outcomes for students but there will be major changes in the working conditions of teachers in the industry. It is unlikely that many universities will adapt sufficiently quickly to become the dominant suppliers of education services. It is likely that tertiary education will be dominated by a few multinational companies with connections with some existing universities.