Virtual University: Ways to Make it Real
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Date
2009-01-29
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INFLIBNET Centre
Abstract
Major forces such as encouraging the implementation of e-Learning in India,
reduction in educational budget, competitive threats, changing profile of learner
and the vast geographic area are in demand. With the rapid advancement in
computer & software and convergence of it with telecommunication technology, it
is possible to make education more accessible, more flexible and less expensive. It
is not a distant dream that pockets of e-learning existing in India will be networked
and Virtual University networks will be created. However, it is also true that educational
projects are never better than the pedagogy they are based on. It is a fact that
learning takes place in the brain of a learner and is greatly depends on memory
retention and recall, thus, all our pedagogical approaches should attempt to enhance
it. Virtualization of university is an internet paradigm which requires completely
different technology oriented methodology with technology compatible pedagogical
framework. This paper focuses on distance learning concept, then moves on to
open and distance learning approach, furthermore it discusses the Information
and Communication Technology enabled open distance learning concept which
leads to virtualization process of universities. This paper also throws light on some
of the important concepts related with information and communication technology
enabled open distance learning based virtual university such as e-learning, online
learning and flexible learning. Actually, e-learning implementation is the most effective
way to achieve virtual university concept. Some of the e-learning applications such
as e-content, learning objects, open educational recourses, and open courseware
are also clarified in this paper. All these concepts pertaining to virtualization of
universities are heavily dependent upon successful distribution and delivery of content.
There are two types of delivery concepts in any open distance learning approach;
synchronous and asynchronous. The paper suggests that it would be beneficial if
virtualization process of any university adopts both the concepts of content deliveryThe problems associated with Indian universities and institutes, which can be
addressed by information and communication technology enabled virtual university
implementation, are also mentioned in this paper. It also discusses some advantages
and generic elements associated with virtual university. Further, some essential
implementation steps and requirements in the process of achieving information
and communication technology based virtual university are formulated and given.
This paper also comprises an e-learning based content development model and
gets concluded with some of the limitations of information and communication
technology based learning environment, and recent technology for virtual university.
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Keywords
ICT, Virtual University, E-learning, Open Distance Learning, Content Development