Virtual education is now on the agenda of most organisations concerned with education and training. But is there any evidence that virtual learning is adding value to existing, more traditional delivery models? Can new technologies deliver accessible, flexible and revenue-generating programmes and courses in developing countries?

Virtual education is the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in core institutional functions such as administration, materials development and distribution, course delivery and tuition, student advice services, prior learning assessment and programme planning. It is radically changing current concepts of campus, curriculum, course, teaching/learning processes, credentials and awards.

A comprehensive report from the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) surveys the evolution of virtual education systems. Highlighting the current widespread exclusion of nations which lack established ICTs infrastructure, it argues the need to provide the development capital to enable developing countries to use virtual education models to bring mass education opportunities to their citizens. The study is contributing to the goal set by Commonwealth leaders to establish a virtual university for small island states.

Among the developments analysed by contributors are:

• the recent dramatic increase in new forms of post-secondary and staff training provided by commercial operators seeking to gain market share in a globalised educational world
• concerns about teaching quality and the lack of systematic research into how successful online support services are in improving retention, progression, attainment and satisfaction rates
• the lack of standard thinking on copyright, tutoring loads, tenure, job security and other human resource issues
• the pitfalls when decisions are driven by tech­nology and overlook existing educational systems and ICTs.

COL argues that causes of the ‘digital divide’ between those with and without access to technology must be addressed if virtual education is to be a meaningful part of educational reform in developing countries. An integrated vision of ways of learning is necessary in a world that requires educational systems to respond to education needs throughout life. The contributors challenge the collective wisdom often associated with virtual education – that contact teaching, face-to-face interactions among learners, and the physical structures within which they occur will become obsolete.

While virtual education may not be the main answer to the pressing education problems of the developing world, it does offer potential to give learners increased choice in the the way they learn. Even in the poorest nations at least a segment of the population must be exposed to virtual education.

COL urges policy-makers and donors to:

• address issues around equality of access to ICTs
• encourage the creation – and assist with required infrastructure – of regional partnerships among institutions in developing countries to undertake joint development of learning objects databases (small instructional components), an independent agency to validate courses delivered by distance education and provide an authoritative database of accredited providers
• work with local government, non-governmental organisations and communities to promote the use of multi-purpose telecentres where the public can use a range of ICTs for business and education
• not underestimate the initial and ongoing funding requirements: sustainable adoption of virtual education will only reduce costs if there is a clear plan.

Source(s):
‘The changing faces of virtual learning’ edited by G. M. Farrell, Commonwealth of Learning, 2001 Full document.

Funded by: Department for International Development, UK

id21 Research Highlight: 28 April, 2003

Further Information:
The Commonwealth of Learning
1055 West Hastings Street
Suite 1200
Vancouver
British Columbia
Canada V6E 2E9

Tel: +1 604 775 8200
Fax: +1 604 775 8210
Contact the contributor: glenf@col.org

The Commonwealth of Learning

Contact the contributor: info@col.org

Other related links:
See Insights Education #1 'Missing the connection? Using ICTs in education'

Take a look at id21's collection of links to online sources about ICTs and Education