How the Information Infrastructure Has Changed in the Digital Age - Evolving Global Information Infrastructure and Information Transfer - page 84

This new approach to learning is being used by K-12 schools, colleges and uni-
versities, churches, political parties, trade organizations, unions, libraries, profes-
sional associations, government agencies at all levels, and the private sector. All of
the social media and information technologies can be used by these organizations
to diffuse information.
In this digital age, education of all types is available in a wide array of formats.
Once again, the student must select a learning environment and learning mode
that is most convenient or most preferable for her learning style. Or the student's
budget and lifestyle may steer the student to one type of learning environment
over another. For example, a college student may prefer a traditional classroom
environment, but the nearest college is too distant or too expensive, and the family
budget may require attendance via online courses for a portion of the degree pro-
gram. Similarly, a teacher may want to take graduate courses on campus during
the summer, but family responsibilities may require his or her presence at home.
A distance-learning class or classes would enable fulfilling family supervision re-
sponsibilities or working a summer job while participating in classes during free
time.
Choices for Learners and Instructors
As with other aspects of the emergent paradigm in the digital age, the consumer
has many choices in selecting educational opportunities in the marketplace. Like-
wise, those individuals and organizations offering educational experiences have
many options for providing the programs they wish to offer. Although delivery of
education once was face to face only, now the choices of educators and students
are many.
Because of the myriad of choices, the importance of information professionals
as intermediaries has been bolstered. Information professionals see the “big pic-
ture” of educational programs and media available. They can guide both teachers
and students in the effective utilization of media appropriate for teaching and learn-
ing. The proliferation of information available for instruction requires an information
specialist to help instructors use the Internet and other resources for teaching, and
the information specialist can help the student to identify resources to help in the
learning process and the completion of learning assignments.
New Role for Information Professionals
Whether working in a law office, a corporate headquarters, a college library,
public library, museum, medical library, or school library, the information profes-
sional can work with individuals and groups to help learners identify and utilize in-