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RALEIGH – For two days, the Emerging Issues Forum was all about taking action: Action that the kids and young adults of Generation Z say are ready to take. But providing the information they need to succeed, is a challenge for some educators.

“They grew up, frankly, with probably too much time in front of a computer screen, or television or gaming or whatever,” says Tom Ross, president of the UNC System. “So they are much more visual learners.”

Ross was one of several education leaders at the forum. They all agree North Carolina needs to think globally if it wants today's students to be prepared.

“I think in North Carolina we have a richer higher education climate than anywhere in the United States,” says N.C. Community College System President Scott Ralls. “The bad news is we don't just compete in the United States anymore.”

Gov. Bev Perdue was the final speaker at the forum. She said her concerns go beyond just the Gen Z educational challenges.

She told the crowd of more than 1,000 attendees she is concerned about the effect on the state of decisions by the Republican-led General Assembly and what it will mean for North Carolina's high education standards.

This concern is nothing new for Perdue, who has said her goal to pass a 3/4-cent sales tax is a top priority for her final year in office.

“And as the tax had expired, the General Assembly leaders choose not to reenact it,” she said. “I think that was a terrible mistake.”

For education leaders they said it isn't only about keeping up financially with other states. It is also about keeping up with the the newest, the latest, the best technology – a mission leaders said is difficult.

“We've got a lot of room to grow there,” says Ross. “We have invested a lot in technology in the past. But the thing is, technology is changing so quickly.”

RELATED CONTENT: Watch interviews with thought leaders from this year's Emerging Issues Forum here.