Information Technologies and Perspectives for Education Development: Lifelong and Online Learning

This paper analyses the perspectives of education in the context of globalization and digital technologies. The Internet and the new economy which supports the increasing need for innovation and diversity have mostly led to the demand for lifelong education in order to effectively follow and adapt to changes. Information technologies (IT) actively support the creation and development of the knowledge market, enabling access to different sources of knowledge and information. Digital technology represents one of the key factors of the new economy based on the constant need for accessing new knowledge, but it also creates a global platform for distance learning as the source of fulfilling such needs. It has also led to new approaches in education by moving the emphasis from education of young people to education of adults and developing new field in adult education: the heutagogy. In addition, the authors analyze the relation between the innovation-success paradigm and lifelong learning, stating that the need for continuous education creates a setting in which personal development never stops. They introduce the success scheme showing that continuing education, innovation and personal development are the required conditions for success. The perspectives of online education are also implied.