Lemmens The Virtual Challenge to International Cooperation in Higher Education Bernd Wächter (ed.) Aca papers on International Cooperation in Education The V irtual Challenge to International Cooperation in Higher Education

Some research findings
Glen Postle, University of Southern Queensland/ Flexible Learning Models
(not yet published)
Fourth and fifth generation models of flexible learning through distance edu-
cation and associated delivery technologies.
The fourth generation – The Flexible Learning Model – involves interactive
multimedia online, internet-based access to WWW resources and computer-
mediated communication.
The fifth generation – The Intelligent Flexible Learning Model – adds auto-
mated response systems and campus portal access to institutional pro-
cesses and resources.
Critically, the university assesses the fifth generation model as having institu-
tional variable costs approaching zero.
But, in this unpublished work, the university already is expressing concerns
about access and equity issues.
“The Rolls Royce of educational delivery is possible with online education,
but only if the students have their own Rolls Royce garaged in the computer
room. For students from equity backgrounds that are fortunate to have
access to computing facilities, we are not talking about Rolls Royce delivery
but minimum standards of delivery.
The University believes that its move to online delivery better enables the
University to respond to issues about how different generations of distance
education can support the needs of non-traditional students. Running
counter to this is the equity constraint of access to the technology that can
deliver that pedagogy.”
Shirley Alexander, University Technology Sydney 
infrastructure; systems approach to online delivery; appropriateness of online
to subject matter and type of student (practical material good on the web; not
appropriate for inexperienced students).
Dale Spender
Critically questions whether universities will play any part in the expanding
learning/earning business – e-learning:
Universities have:
l
The wrong definition of students;
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l
The wrong organisation of information;
l
The wrong packaging of information;
l
The wrong notion of service;
l
The wrong notion of standards;
l
The wrong medium.
Spender, D., The Business of Learning
presented at the Australian Institute of Management in Sydney on 21 March
2001
IDP Study in Progress
Quality; infrastructure; marketing; business models; financial considerations;
student performance and outcomes. Scope of online delivery offered by Aus-
tralian institutions (to be published October 2001 as research report on on-
line delivery).
Impacts on International Mobility
New technologies – impact for non-mobile student – diversity, flexibility, inter-
nationalised curricula.
For students:
l
access/flexibility: time and place?
l
diversity?
l
rich learning resources?
l
internationalised curricula?
l
international linkages? 
For institutions:
l
cost/benefits? intensive resources?
l
improved courses/delivery options for home students?
l
global reach?
l
new types of students? courses? lifelong learning?
l
survival?
l
Renewed/dynamic institutions?
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Dr. Ruben C. Umaly
Secretary-General
Association of Universities in Asia and the Pacific (AUAP)
Thailand