It is important for all Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) members to understand the ways society is changing as people evolve deeper into the information age, and to recognize that these changes require a change in paradigm for education and training systems to be most effective in meeting the needs of individuals and their organizations and communities in this new era. This paper presents several articles that provide brief introductions to the major facets of knowledge that may be most helpful to AECT members. Sunnie Lee introduces a learning-focused, learner-centered paradigm of education and training. Daniel Pascoe explains systems theory. Brian Beabout discusses systems thinking for AECT Members. William Watson talks about systemic change and systems design. Stephanie Moore addresses the relationship between ethics and systems thinking. Understanding the principles, concepts and strategies associated with systemic change is essential for all educational and training professionals, and it is important for AECT divisions and members to take leadership to implement them.