Future studies and its impact on education and society in the twenty-first centur

Purpose of the study. The purpose of the study was twofold. The first purpose was to explore the field of future studies and to isolate the concerns which were common to experts in the field of future concerns. The second purpose was to predict, based on the concerns of each identified group, the vision of society each group would have in the year 2025, and to identify the kinds of educational preparation individuals would need in order to function effectively in the society of 2025.;Procedure. The first stage of this study was centered around the review and analysis of the literature of future studies to isolate the major concerns that were common to experts in the field of future concerns. Secondly, the views of the five groups of futurists, on each concern, was researched and documented. Finally, those concerns were examined to predict the vision of society each group would have in the year 2025 and to identify the kinds of educational preparation individuals would require to function in each society in 2025.;The review and analysis of the literature indicated six concerns. They were: (1) Images of the Future; (2) Technology; (3) Growth; (4) Change; (5) Values; and (6) Forecasting.;The Positive Extrapolists predicted a microelectronic society with artificial-intelligent computers. To function in this society individuals would have to become proficient in mathematics, science, technology and computer programming and operations at about the grade twelve level or above.;The Negative Extrapolists predicted a society with a high unemployment and crime rate, drug users, population explosion, environmental destruction and a very low standard of living. They prescribed a basic education and the knowledge, skills and attitudes associated with innovative learning.;The Spiritual Visionaries predicted a humanistic society with a culture that was more simple than that of the industrial society. They advocated humanistic education.;The Societal Visionaries predicted a society based on peace, justice, equality and appropriate technology. They required world order and peace education with concerns for politics, the environment and society.;The Environmental Visionaries predicted a simple society with a beautiful environment based on renewable-energy technologies. In education they emphasized science and technology and the protection and enhancement of the environment.