World-Class?

Several people on campus recommended I read the book "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman. So I did. Now I recommend it.

Friedman contends that we have entered into a new era of globalization. What makes the new form of globalization unique is that individuals are shaping the global system. Computer software has empowered individuals to collaborate and compete globally. Countries and companies are losing control of globalization to people. Reading the book gave me a new perspective on the meaning of a world-class education.

According to Friedman, work that can be digitized can be outsourced to either the smartest or the cheapest producer anywhere in the world. To provide students with a world-class education, we need to make them aware that they are moving into a global workplace. This requires a world-oriented perspective. Ethnocentrism will lead to failure in a world-wide market. Our students need to be prepared to work with people from anywhere in the world. Technology is making geography increasingly irrelevant. The workplace is no longer defined by geographic location. The virtual workplace is expanding. A work team can consist of individuals spread around the globe. Our students need to develop the skills and attitudes that will enable them to synthesize practices and perspectives from various cultures. Globalization is the reality that will define the future in which our students will be living and working. We must prepare them to be citizens of the world.