Studies how support tools facilitate knowledge building processes in a World Wide Web-based virtual university engineering course. Examines whether students engage in different types of knowledge building activities when they use support tools and assesses the effect of support tool use on student knowledge building. (LRW)

Explores the implications of digitizing higher education--creating virtual universities--and describes the articles in the special journal issue. Discusses reasons why, faculty and bricks-and-mortar institutions will remain. (EV)

Technology-intensive changes in higher education have convinced some administrators and accreditors that new models for college and university accreditation are needed. The first-ever accreditation of a "virtual" institution, Jones International University, is seen by some as evidence that accrediting agencies have moved away from reliable…

Includes "The Knowledge Harvest: Ensuring You Reap What You Sow" (Christie, Sandelands); "Credit Mapping: Validating Work-Based Training Using Action Learning Outcomes" (Wills); "Customer Orientation and Motivation: The Key to Effective Learning Organisations" (Prestoungrange); "Barriers to Entry: Implications…

Describes the decision-making and planning processes at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to unify technological initiatives and participate in a virtual university experiment with three Japanese universities. Discusses the use of technology in education, and expresses faculty attitudes and concerns. (LRW)

Considers the relationship between pedagogy and technology in driving changes in education in the 21st century and assesses the efficacy of new learning environments. Describes effects on university organizational structure resulting from information technology; addresses funding and staff, impact on management, changing role of lecturers, changes…

Describes the emergence of corporate universities and strategic alliances among universities, electronic learning companies, and technology companies that are providing online delivery of interactive education and training. Outlines characteristics of comprehensive electronic learning and cautions against the use of new technologies to deliver…

Explores some of the issues surrounding library and information technology support for virtual learning environments through a focus on four models, each illustrated by a world-class example, that demonstrate good practice. Concludes with observations on the mutual need that virtual and physical libraries have for each other. (EV)

Discusses the provision of Internet-based distance learning courses in the library and information science field and investigates the current market situation for online courses. Highlights include types of courses, including self-instruction courses, short credit courses, and full degree programs; Web site characteristics; technical issues;…

Describes the development of a Technology College at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington that is characterized by the use of computer assisted instruction, the World Wide Web, two-way interactive video conferencing, and instruction individualized with the use of various technologies. (LRW)

Argues that the emergence of digital marketplaces for learning has broad implications for the standardization and commercialization of education. Defines the concept of the virtual university and discusses how traditional institutions could be reconceived by adopting an alternative model. (PEN)

The author describes her academic fantasy of a Global University existing within current universities. A select group of students from any number of participating brick-and-mortar institutions from around the world would contribute, and these students would spend their four undergraduate years answering one question per semester or per year,…

This article talks about serious financial problems faced by the African Virtual University, the continent's largest online institution, forcing it to accelerate a major restructuring. The university was established in 1997 by the World Bank as a link between foreign and African institutions, and has been impeded by insufficient funds. As a…

Distance learning is appealing to small business owners, employees, municipalities, state establishments, non-governmental organizations. Distance-learning are ideal for people who have a full-time job or other commitments, who can't take time off to study full time. This might be a professional who needs to update his knowledge or skills, or a…

This article introduces a practical software architecture called CUBES, which focuses on system integration and evolvement for online virtual universities. The key of CUBES is a supporting platform that helps to integrate and evolve heterogeneous educational applications developed by different organizations. Both standardized educational…