Abstract: Our International Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education (SITE) affords us the opportunity to examine many issues facing education today, from a global perspective. Looking across nations can often provide a context that will inform local solutions. For example, in the USA, we can anticipate that almost half the new teachers entering their professions will leave by the end of their third year. Is this a USA problem or is it happening worldwide? Are there ways that information technology can help? Knowing the answer to these questions should aid any country in developing a better long-range strategy for retaining teachers. Another trend exerting a strong influence on the world is competency-based education and its accompanying demands on accountability for expenditures and outcomes. One branch of this trend is typified by No Child Left Behind (NCLB)Legislation (2001) in the USA, which pushes for strong evidence that learning is taking place in school environments and asks if technology is worth the investment. Another branch of accountability questions the wisdom of investing in “Third Wave” technologies for children of the world when for many countries basic needs are not yet provided. What do we know about the effectiveness of technology in education? Do we have answers for NCLB advocates or do we wait for this pendulum to swing another way? Do we still believe in computers and related devices as a means of transforming education? The third trend has to do with how we perceive the shape of the world, now and in the future? Is it round (Columbus, 1492)? Is it flat (Friedman, 2005)? Is it a matrix or an interconnected grid with universal standards for all? Is it rich or is it poor? Will there always be a digital divide? Is it old or is it young and ready to begin anew? Looking at the composition of our Society, I think we can agree that the world has become small, even as many problems have become large, and we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of facing problems together for the welfare of all. Where can information technology best contribute to a better future? Can the “world view” provide hints regarding the best way to proceed toward a sound future for information technology and teacher education? Much has been learned in the past 5-10 years by scholars from many nations. In this presentation, the speaker and various guest contributors will provide the basis for audience dialog on global perspectives.