This unit examines how the global economy, in concert with new information technologies, is driving fundamental reforms in educational provision. Public education institutions now compete with their private counterparts for taxpayer funds. The distinction between public and private institutions is being blurred. In this climate new kinds of institutions are emerging. Some are hybrids of existing institutions, others are new. There are even virtual institutions. These developments are generating vigorously contested debates which appear have little impact on the course of events. The effect of these changes is still to be properly assessed though evidence collected so far suggests that traditional constructions of school and academic work will have to be revised. The changes also raise profound questions of equity and social justice. The unit will provide a framework for understanding these changes and for critiquing their moral and ethical consequences.