Delivering education in the next millennium

After centuries of delivering education in synchronous modes (face to face, in real time), universities are confronting the challenges of distance learning. Interactive learning, delivered asynchronously on demand, represents a paradigm shift we are only dimly recognizing. Because of their unique strengths, technical communicators can play a pivotal role within academe and industry in delivering education and training using technology. To do so, we must redefine ourselves as true technical communicators, not just as technical writers. Technical communicators will add value to technology-enhanced delivery of education and training in many of the same ways they are now adding value to text products. The challenge to the profession and to universities is to prepare for this new millenium.