Technology Enhanced Learning and the Virtual University

Introduction

As the online component of university business continues to increase, particularly in the area of learning and teaching, the ‘virtual learning environment’ has become as important as the ‘physical learning environment’.  That being the case, it is imperative that as much care, if not more, is taken in how this environment looks, feels, and responds to students and staff. It is evident that many institutions are seeing this as not just a means by which they can better support their current students (through blended approaches), but as a way to value add and expand their reach. So at a time where the need for more universities is increasing, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, the ability to provide an equivalence of experience in the online space makes the value proposition of the Virtual University very attractive.  This book seeks to provide a range of considered opinions from experts around the globe as to how one can conceivably create a holistic virtual university, using the expanding cornucopia of technology enhanced learning applications.  Consideration is also given to the pros and cons and viability, given the current suite of options, to establish a fully virtual university.

The call

If you work at a university and are on the cutting edge of using technology enhanced learning for teaching at your institution, or, if you are a university administrator or leader, I invite you to join me in this adventure of writing a new book exploring where this is leading our sector.

So drop me a line and I will forward you the prospectus and list of indicative chapters that you might like to choose from.

About this book

This book is designed as a practical guide for those looking to develop a virtual university from the ground up. It is based on tangible examples of contemporary practice aligned to the expertise that only significant time and influence within the sector can bring. 

Each chapter is designed to provide:

• an overall context to the topic drawing on examples from contemporary literature,
• an understanding of how this aligns with the concept of establishing and running a virtual university,
• a list of suggested strategies to achieve and sustain this goal, and
• a way to measure the success of this approach.  

Each chapter should be seen as part of the whole overall work, and not seek to exist in isolation. Therefore authors are required to familiarize themselves with the other proposed chapter headings and endeavor not to stray into those territories, other than to provide a context for their argument.  

This book is not interested in models of blended learning or flipped classrooms, it is designed solely for promoting the thought that it is possible, with the right combination of tools and techniques, to develop a comprehensive virtual university through the innovative use of technology to enhance learning and teaching. 

Let your voice be heard!

If you are interested email me at: [email protected]