Proceedings of the 1998 Eden Conference 1-2 [antikvár]

VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY: CHALLENGE AND CHANCE Prof. Dr.-Ing. Helmut Hoyer, Rector ofFernUniversitat, Hagen, Germany Abstract: In a society dependent on innovation the excellence of its Systems of education and further education represents a Central and essential pillar. Each process of innovation is most closely linked with quick and tailor-made access to the knowledge required. The ever increasing link-up of working life and education alsó means new challenges fór the institutions of higher education. Having recognised ihat fact, the FernUniversitát decided to start its "Education and Knowledge Space: Virtual University", which is the concept of a university importing its ojferings to the students via electronic communication at any time and completely independent of the location. This Virtual university goes far beyond the present approaches of distributed and media-supported learning, since all teaching and service functions of a university are to be made available via communication networks in an integrated environment. It creates a complete and homogeneous System. Besides, the above project is regarded by the FernUniversitát as essentially contributing to the development of an internationally accessible education sysíem. Introduction Each process of innovation is most closely linked with quick, tailor-made access to the knowledge required, where especially the increasing link-up of working life and education means new challenges fór the institutions of higher education. Excellent education and further education systems are characterised by their flexibility, both in acquiring the basic qualification (education, studies), and in lifelong learning by those employed. The need fór flexible education systems easily adapting to new requirements must be addressed. Fór the user, particularly in view of the link-up with the world of work, a flexible education system means learning at any time and independent of location, as well as choice and presentation of knowledge geared to the particular situation and the individual's needs and goals. Thus, currently conffonted with tremendous changes, we are entering a new stage of "The Knowledge Society". However, this alsó means that education will be a permanent process in each individual's life. A degree programme or course of study once completed at a university, can no longer be regarded as fmished and sufficient fór all one's (working) life. The period of learning, which has so often been of limited duration, will change and be replaced by lifelong learning. Today's conceptions are obviously nőt suited to meeting this demand adequately. Having recognised this fact, the FernUniversitát decided to seize this historic chance. With a draft version of new ideas entitled "Lernraum Virtuelle Universitát" (Education and Knowledge Space: Virtual University) it has taken part in a competition on the topic "Use of the giobally available knowledge fór education and further education and innovative processes." This competition was launched by the Germán Federal Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Technology (BMBF). Of the 251 proposals submitted, the FemUniversitat's proposal is one of 15 which the jury selected fór further evaluation. When they reach their conclusion, approximately fíve projects will be founded. Meanwhile, the FernUniversitát has ftnished the detailed project proposal and the final decision of the Jury will be at the end of June.