Lifelong learning through the Virtual University

ISSN： 1065-0741

Source： Campus-Wide Information Systems, Vol.19, Iss.4, 2002-10, pp. : 127-134

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Abstract

Lifelong learning has come to involve a variety of learning experiences. These include conventional campus teaching, workplace open learning, modular flexible learning programmes, correspondence-based distance learning courses, and most recently Web or multimedia-based courseware. This paper considers the use of multimedia environments for open, flexible and distance education, in particular a learning environment known as the "Virtual University" as part of a process of lifelong learning. A comparison of different modes of learning is made. The Virtual University consists of virtual lectures, virtual seminars, virtual tutorials and virtual exams. It has a number of advantages over both formal lectures and conventional open learning materials, such as interactivity, adaptation, simulation, demonstration and integration. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the Virtual University, and the results indicate an enhancement of the overall learning experience.