Of course, if there were instead systems of assessments in a competency-based learning system built for students to take an assessment on-demand when they were ready to demonstrate mastery on specific competencies, we would see a different picture develop with assessments that left no doubt that they were different.

FORBES: Could Competency-Based Learning Save the Common Core?

This shift is enabling education technology companies to fulfil the call in education for on-demand, highly targeted and relevant online learning and open resources.

BBC: Viewpoint: Why disruption is good for business

Available to employees on-demand as well as via mobile devices and tablets, online learning communities remove barriers dear to the hearts of brick-and-mortar universities and companies.

FORBES: 5 Ways Social Learning Communities Transform Culture and Leadership

Because of the ability to share applications, home networks will eventually lead to new "lifestyle applications" -- including shared family scheduling, family messaging, distance learning, and multimedia entertainment applications such as multiplayer gaming and whole-house audio on demand, the companies said.

CNN: 3Com, Microsoft plan home network kits