Educational centres as knowledge organisations training future knowledge workers: The role of IT

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to propose an IT related educational framework for centres which are responsible for future knowledge workers - primary schools, high schools, and universities. First, we analyse the latest changes in the business world due to the arrival of a new knowledge era. According to empirical and theoretical evidence, the first step necessary to succeed in knowledge management seems to be information technology (IT). After clarifying both the conceptual differences between information and knowledge, and the different knowledge types which are necessary to be managed, we analyse how IT can be a very useful tool for knowledge management in organisations. Second, we reflect upon the academic and social aims of educational centres, relating them to the inherent aims of knowledge based organisations. The goal is to try to integrate two perspectives that are not always easy to merge. As mentioned, the key point throughout this process can be IT, but it is necessary to train students of different levels in the basic skills, not only to accomplish the academic objectives, but also bearing in mind the role they are going to play in a more globally competitive environment. Finally, we consider the influence that these changes can have on educational centres, making them adapt to the environment by means of a learning attitude that allows them to become real knowledge centres. In this respect, information technology for educational management(lTEM) systems canplay avitalrole as catalysts for theprocess of change.