Developing a framework for best practice in sustainable virtual campuses. (23rd July 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stansfield, Mark; Connolly, Thomas; Cartelli, Antonio; Jimoyiannis, Athanassios; Magalhaes, Hugo; Maillet, Katherine
• Is Part Of: International journal of networking and virtual organisations. Volume 6:Number 5(2009)
• Page Start: 440
• Page End: 459
• Publication Date: 2009-07-23
• Subjects: best practice -- constructivist learning environment -- CLE -- virtual campus -- virtual university -- web based campus -- online campus -- electronic learning -- online learning -- e-learning -- sustainability -- European Commission EACEA -- PBP-VC -- higher education -- universities -- Europe; Computer networks -- Periodicals; Information networks -- Periodicals; Virtual corporations -- Periodicals; Electronic commerce -- Periodicals; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Management -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 004.65
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-9503

Abstract

Despite the significant investment and growth both in Europe and globally in the development of virtual universities and virtual campuses over the last decade, there have been a number of high-profile projects and initiatives that failed to achieve their intended goals. If such failures are to be avoided in the future, then it is vital that a better understanding of best practice within virtual universities and virtual campuses is achieved. This paper reports on the work of a European Commission Education Audiovisual & Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) co-financed project 'Promoting Best Practice in Virtual Campuses' (PBP-VC), which is aimed at providing a deeper understanding of the key issues and success factors underlying the implementation of virtual campuses. The paper will outline a tentative model of the issues underpinning best practice in virtual campuses which covers areas that include organisational, pedagogical, technological, student/user, financial and consolidation issues derived from an investigation into virtual campus projects and initiatives within Europe. The project is working towards developing a practical framework to help guide the process of creating best practice in virtual campuses, as well as raising awareness of issues and approaches to creating sustainable virtual campuses.