Project Leaders: David Preston and Rob Fisher

Welcome to the Virtual Learning and Higher Education project home page. The project aims to explore the varieties of impact made on higher education by advances in technology and the implications this has for the methods and delivery of education. The impact on the locations and institutions where education has traditionally been delivered will also be examined.

The emergence of Information and Communication Technologies within education is seen as a promising development. But what future has Higher Education when the virtual world of on-line education has so much more to offer? The aim of this project is to examine Virtuality within Higher Education in an attempt to critique both its essential characteristics and its future possibilities to influence the education of adult learners.

The project will seek to identify, develop and explore a number of key themes;

• Emerging technologies within Higher Education
• International technology challenges
• Organizational issues/strategies in Virtual education
• Financial issues (faculty pay/timetabling/benefits)
• Part-time staff/ adjuncts’ role between traditional and virtual universities
• Contemporary best teaching practices
• International educational experiences/lessons
• Case studies of experimental projects
• Blended Learning approaches
• Professional development/support structures

This only an indicative list - all persons with an interest in and who wish to offer an insight into the themes of the project are welcome to become involved. Please contact the Project Leaders for further information.