Virtual Campuses: A New Paradigm in E-Learning Widening Access to Higher Education

Περίληψη

This paper considers the increasing impact of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and eLearning practices and the associated rise in Virtual Campuses (VC) as a recognized and respected research area in the EU and around the world. The paper provides an outline of the key issues characterizing the VC paradigm. The paper will also report on the work of a European Commission DG Culture and Education and Culture co-financed project PBP-VC (Promoting Best Practice in Virtual Campuses) which is aimed at providing a deeper understanding of the key issues and critical success factors underlying the implementation of VCs. In addition, the project is working towards developing a practical framework to help guide the process of creating best practice in VCs, as well as  raising awareness of issues and approaches to creating sustainable VCs.