| Abstract: | Virtual universities and virtual learning environments are becoming increasingly accessible to faculty wishing to develop Web-based courses. They can provide a convenient cognitive framework to assist educators in moving towards new technology-based teaching methods. The University of Strathclyde has developed a series of faculty development workshops based around the conceptual model of Clyde Virtual University (http://cvu.strath.ac.uk) in an attempt to promote cultural change within the institution. The virtual university, whilst providing examples of good practice in the use of the new technologies, is also used as a delivery medium for the courses themselves, and as a place where participants can communicate with each other and archive their own materials. This paper explains the necessity for such a conceptual framework to overcome barriers faculty face in developing Web-based materials. It describes the Clyde Virtual University and the way in which innovative approac hes to teaching, learning, and assessment in a virtual setting can aid the development of a fully professionalized teaching force in higher education. |
