I don't think that there is any arguement that learning in today's world is different than it was twenty or more years ago.  Learning today consists of a lot of fast-paced, visually stimulating, technologically enhanced lessons.  Teachers attempt to appeal to students in their own environment instead of making them conform to the classroom's environment.  Today's learning is less about repetition and more about recreation (and I mean fun!).  And according to the New York Times, learning today is more about the online world than it is the world of people.   

Reportedly, several large philanthropic groups are encouraging the development and expansion of online education for secondary and post-secondary students.  The idea is that students are more likely to engage in the learning if it is accessible on their terms.  The report cites statistics that point to the success of online learning.  Naturally, encouraged by those numbers, the rich guys feel like online learning is a good investment for our future. 

But this whole online learning movement gives me pause.  I question whether or not online learning is as useful and successful as traditional learning.  Seems to me that the folks in older generations were a whole lot smarter about academic things than the current generation.  Sure, grandpa may not be able to work an iPod touch or a Blackberry but he can produce an eloquently written piece of prose without using LOL or like abreviations.  So I guess the question is really more about what defines smart for this generation verses past generations.  What is important in learning today?