If you want to get a hint of just how advanced and different personal technology might be in 20 years or so, in life and in learning, I highly recommend you read Rainbows End, by Vernor Vinge, the noted science fiction writer.
The concepts of evolved technology that are embedded in the story, from "wearing" special clothing and contact lenses that allow one to effortlessly get multiple synthetic views of the world, to the concept of armies of linked analysts trying to figure out out what is really going on, are truly brilliant.
A highly recommended read.
Posted by Marc at June 28, 2006 02:28 PM