Towards Virtualization

Description:

Twenty five years ago it was only a prophesy that the home would be at the center of society, in which work, education, service consumption and leisure would be mediated through new technologies. What was a prophesy then, is becoming more than a reality today because of the electronic revolution powered by the developments in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), particularly the internet and the world wide web. These new ICTs have not only changed the traditional sources of knowledge but have also altered the mode of delivery, instructional methods and even the sites and places of learning. This dramatic technology-driven change is penetrating and transforming the fabric of higher education all over the planet, both because of its scope and speed and its global reach. The main thrust of this book is to examine and explore the wide range of initiatives that are being taken all over the world, which have been presented in the form of 34 detailed case studies, covering virtual universities, dual-mode universities and open universities, from both the developed and developing countries around the world. These case studies document the major global trends, changes and issues in the arena of higher education specifically with reference to virtual, distance and open learning and detail the variety of initiatives being undertaken across the planet to cope with the rapidly changing scenario.