Pointing out the dilemmas facing educators today in preparing people for the future, this paper discusses the supply and demand nature of the job market and the growing need for better educational opportunities, and describes opportunities provided by the concept of the newly founded Electronic University. The importance of research is emphasized, and activities sponsored by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) which contribute to research are described. These activities include the sponsoring of a conference on computer research needs in basic skills in November 1982 and the awarding of a grant for the Center for Technology, which will focus on research; establishing the National Diffusion Network (NDN) to identify and designate schools using technology successfully as "lighthouse schools," disseminate knowledge of successful technological programs, and assist other schools in implementing such programs, which currently include programs in occupational training for secondary students, records management, and improving mathematics and reading skills; the awarding of grants for 12 school-based technology demonstration sites to facilitate sharing of programs with other school districts, including training programs such as Projects BEST, SLATE, and VIM and programs for teaching physics, chemistry, writing, mathematics problem solving skills, writing skills, and computer literacy; using educational television through such programs as the "Voyage of the Mimi" and "3-2-1 Contact"; and monitoring contracts to use technology to improve teaching of basic skills in mathematics, science, and writing, including project Quill, which uses the microcomputer to help teachers teach writing to third- through sixth-grade students. (DJR)