Photography is so very different an activity from that of even ten years ago. Good modern photographers need to be able to do so much more than compose and frame a shot, and whilst the traditional skills required for messing around with chemicals in a darkroom are waning, a whole set of new techniques are needed if you want to develop your photography to a really high standard.
Photography for the modern age has changed. And as that notion hits anyone with a camera phone or a DSLR, you need to know some quick facts about being up to date, knowing your software and studying other's work.