Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century: From the Information Society to the Knowledge Society

Abstract

The information society and the knowledge society are attempts to identify and understand the origin and scope of recent social changes. For Burch (2005), these concepts identify different social projects because they emerge in different contexts and respond to different perceptions and expectations. In this regard, Flores, Galicia and Sanchez (2007) state that information society and knowledge society are concepts that have been used as synonyms because information is believed to give power and knowledge. However, for these authors, being part of the knowledge society requires passing the simple access, management and use of computer technology to the production of innovative and relevant solutions through various means of information and communication. This paper develops this premise by presenting certain principles that universities should take into account when designing and implementing their educational programs and processes.

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Keywords: Information society, knowledge society, higher education, teaching