This article aims to explore the potential of certain future studies techniques to provide insight into the question of the impact of higher education information and communication technology (ICT) strategies on student learning. The approach is to consider three case studies of new universities in different countries, and to identify the main features of their ICT strategies, related variables, key change drivers and trends. Models representing ICT strategy and dimensions of student learning are then drawn together to produce a number of possible scenarios and testable hypotheses. Recommendations for refining the analysis are highlighted.
References
1.
BarabS.A.MaKinsterJ.G.SchecklerR. (2003) Designing System Dualities: Characterizing a Web-supported professional development community, Information Society, 19(3), 237–256. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01972240309466
MasiniE.B. BarbieriVasquezJ.M. (2000) Scenarios as Seen from a Human and Social Perspective, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 65(1), 49–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0040-1625(99)00127-4
4.
BawaA. (2004) The Challenge of Access to Higher Education in Africa: The need for systemic approaches. Paper presented at Second Annual Learning International Networks Consortium (LINC) Symposium and Workshop, Cambridge, MA, 23–26 March.
5.
BernardR.M.LouY.AbramiP.C. (2003) Comparing Distance Education and Traditional Instruction: An ‘in-progress’ meta-analysis of the empirical literature. Paper presented at Association of Educational Communications and Technology conference, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. http://naweb.unb.ca/proceedings/2002/Po2Bernard.htm
6.
BreenR.LindsayR.JenkinsA.SmithP. (2001) The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in a University Learning Environment, Studies in Higher Education, 26(1), 95–114. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03075070123233
CleggS.HudsonA.SteelJ. (2003) The Emperor's New Clothes: Globalisation and e-learning in higher education, British Journal of Sociology of Education, 24(1), 39–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01425690301914
D'AntoniS. (2003) Messages and Lessons Learned, in D'AntoniS. (Ed.) The Virtual University: Models and messages, lessons from case studies. Paris: UNESCO/International Institute for Educational Planning.
11.
De JouvenelH. (1993) Sur la Démarche prospective: Un bref guide méthodologique, Futuribles, 179, 51–70.
12.
GodetM. (1993) From Anticipation to Action. Paris: UNESCO.
13.
HardyP. (2000) L'Impact du changement technologique sur les migrations de population: Une étude appliquée aux pays du Maghreb. Rome: Il Sole.
14.
HawkinsJ.N.RustV.D. (2001) Shifting Perspectives on Comparative Research: A view from the USA, Comparative Education, 37(4), 501–506. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03050060120091283
15.
HernesG. (2003) The New Century: Societal paradoxes and major trends, in D'AntoniS. (Ed.) The Virtual University: Models and messages, lessons from case studies. Paris: UNESCO/International Institute for Educational Planning.
16.
JumaM.N. (2003) Kenyatta University: African Virtual University, Kenya, in D'AntoniS. (Ed.) The Virtual University: Models and messages, lessons from case studies. Paris: UNESCO/International Institute for Educational Planning.
17.
KeeganD. (1996) Foundations of Distance Education, 3rd edn.London: Routledge.
18.
LaurillardD. (2002) Rethinking University Teaching: A framework for the effective use of learning technologies. London: Routledge.
19.
MasonR. (2003) The University: Current challenges and opportunities, in D'AntoniS. (Ed.) The Virtual University: Models and messages, lessons from case studies. Paris: UNESCO/International Institute for Educational Planning.
MiddlehurstR. (2003) Borderless Higher Education: Impact and implications, in D'AntoniS. (Ed.) The Virtual University: Models and messages, lessons from case studies. Paris: UNESCO/International Institute for Educational Planning.
22.
MooreM.G. (1993) Theory of Transactional Distance, in KeeganD. (Ed.) Theoretical Principles of Distance Education. London: Routledge.
23.
MurphyP.AnzaloneS.BoschA.MoultonJ. (2002) Enhancing Learning Opportunities in Africa: Distance education and information and communication technologies for learning. Africa Region Human Development Working Paper Series. Washington, DC: World Bank.
24.
NipperS. (1989) Third Generation Distance Learning and Computer Conferencing, in MasonR.KayeA. (Eds) Mindweave: Communication, computers and distance education. Oxford: Pergamon.
PopperK. (1945) The Open Society and Its Enemies. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
27.
PopperK. (1963) Conjectures and Refutations. New York: Harper & Row.
28.
TabulawaR. (2003) International Aid Agencies, Learner-Centred Pedagogy and Political Democratisation: A critique, Comparative Education, 39(1), 7–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03050060302559
29.
TaylorJ.C. (2001) Fifth Generation Distance Education. Keynote address presented at the 20th International Council for Open and Distance Education World Conference, Düsseldorf, Germany, 1–5 April. http://www.usq.edu.au/users/taylorj/conferences.htm
30.
TaylorJ.C. (2003) USQOnline, Australia: An evolution of an existing institution, in D'AntoniS. (Ed.) The Virtual University: Models and messages, lessons from case studies. Paris: UNESCO/International Institute for Educational Planning.
31.
TaylorJ.C. (2004) Will Universities Become Extinct in the Networked World? Plenary session presentation at the 21st International Council for Open and Distance Education World Conference on Open Learning and Distance Education, Hong Kong, 18–21 February. http://www.usq.edu.au/users/taylorj/conferences.htm
32.
BankWorld (2002) World Bank Strategy in the Education Sector: Process, product and progress, International Journal of Educational Development, 22(5), 429–437. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0738-0593(02)00003-2
