At a conference organised yesterday by Asset, an educational charity interested in science and technology in schools, speakers described the classroom of the (relatively) near future in which blackboards became electronic whiteboards, and whose content could be quickly and easily downloaded and posted on websites automatically. As a result, students would derive far more of their learning from interactive internet sources and could learn at greater distances from the school and at more flexible times.

Classes would be smaller as a result, but the role of the tutor would remain central in stimulating learning, creating the right environment, and supporting the learning process.

The use of such technology is already beginning to revolutionise the way we plan and deliver distance learning programmes. The new University for Industry is planned to make significant use of similar training technologies.