In November 1996, forty-five higher education technology leaders convened in Washington, D.C., to discuss the virtual university (VU). The Western Governors Association had announced establishment of the Western Governors University (WGU). As a result, VU initiatives were emerging from, or being contemplated by, almost every state-level higher…

This paper reports on the work of a European Commission DG Education and Culture co-financed project PBP-VC, Promoting Best Practice in Virtual Campuses, which is aimed at providing a deeper understanding of the key issues and critical success factors underlying the implementation of virtual campuses. The paper outlines a tentative model of issues…

Discussion of the changing role of teachers in higher education with modern technology focuses on open and distance learning and the concept of a peripatetic electronic teacher (PET) who would surf around the World Wide Web. Describes a PET-world paradigm, a global networked environment that supports advanced multimedia features. (Author/LRW)

This paper draws together current developments in computer-based education (CBE) with concepts from business process re-engineering. Topics discussed include: (1) re-engineering models, including the spectrum of approaches ranging from radical restructuring to evolutionary improvement, the stages of business process re-engineering (BPR), and…

Examines the technologies and issues involved in assuring distance education students access to the electronic library. Discusses the changing nature of distance learning; issues in providing access to electronic resources; new models for the distance learning environment; and the Western Governors University collaborative resource sharing effort.…

This paper discusses an innovative paradigm for looking at computer mediated/networked teaching, learning, and research known as BESTNET (Binational English and Spanish Telecommunications Network). BESTNET is functionally defined as an international community of universities and institutions linked by common educational goals and processes,…

This paper describes the faculty training model utilized in the development and/or conversion of course materials to be delivered on the World Wide Web. A description of the online learning environment (WTOnline) is provided, as well as the process by which faculty members in the West Texas A&M University College of Education interact with…

Purpose: This report seeks to address the preliminary findings from a large-scale study of the different ways in which the asynchronous discussion forum (ADF) is being used in the online learning environment. Design/methodology/approach: A conceptual approach is taken. Findings: The structural and functional variation of the ADF is depicted within…