Virtual University: Ways to Make it Real

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.